Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 1

Written Answers. - Offshore Exploration.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

151 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department has examined the situation whereby no Irish nationals are working on oil exploration rigs off the coast; and the discussions which have taken place with the exploration companies to obtain work for Irish citizens on those oil rigs. [21562/02]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

My Department has no role in relation to recruitment of personnel on exploration rigs operating in Irish waters. Exploration licences are granted by the Department of Marine, Communications and Natural Resources.