Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

Her contribution was welcome in that regard. We need to break down some of the cumbersome obstacles we have put in place to allow people to explore off Irish waters.

Regarding Deputy Coveney's contribution, I was unaware a safety case was required prior to approval. I am not sure anywhere else in the world publishes a safety case for public consultation prior to assessment and approval. We will not go down that route. The rest of Deputy Coveney's contribution was positive and presented a realistic understanding of the risks and rewards of offshore exploration in Ireland. There has been a naïve debate, reflected in the contribution of Deputy Martin Ferris, that we should make it more onerous for people to explore in Irish waters. This is not particularly attractive, because of the experience of the Corrib but also because of the fact that offshore waters, particularly those off the west coast of Ireland, are particularly difficult in drilling terms. There is a short window between May and September in which one can drill. It is a difficult, high risk deep water operation.

I welcome many of the contributions and know that all of them are predicated on being positive. I welcome the contribution of Deputy McManus in that regard. The contribution of Deputy Ferris was naïve. Some Members compare everything to the Nordic countries. Deputy Ferris seems to think Norway provides all the answers in terms of incentives for offshore exploration. It is always interesting to hear partial quotation of facts. It is true that one can pay up to 70% as well as tax for exploration of Norwegian waters but if one drills unsuccessfully in its waters the state will underwrite the cost to the tune of 70%. It is not simply a universal application that we could import into the Irish situation. I thank the Deputies for their contributions and look forward to the following Stages of the Bill.

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