John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I should have included in the reply that a strategic environment assessment is being undertaken for the Slyne-Erris-Donegal basins. The result of this will be known by early April. However, it is subject to a public consultation process during April and May and no licence will be awarded until after this time.

Regarding a review, the Deputy will be pleased to know that the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, has agreed to have a review in the Department, which is under way. Ireland has yet to establish itself as a petroleum province. The details for the Slyne-Erris-Donegal round state that licences will be issued under the 1992 licensing terms. The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, requested that a thorough and comprehensive review of licence terms be completed as quickly as possible, and work is progressing on this review. He will engage consultants to participate in this process to ensure an independent perspective on work completed to date in the review, and to consider the overall terms.

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