Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

As someone with some knowledge of both the inside and the outside of prisons, I am familiar with the circumstances. People should not be obliged to go to such extremes to make their point. However, one should remember that those remaining outside will tell them that they are doing a great job. It is somewhat different for those who are inside. All Members should be conscious and careful of the sensitivities.

I do not agree with the call for no more frontier licences as we must carry on with exploration. However, it is important that the Minister should regularly review the degree to which returns go to the State or to the oil companies who carry out the explorations, as the case may be. We have two options. For example, as was suggested in the motion, the State could take over all oil, gas and other mineral exploration. I do not agree with this crazy notion. It would result in a cost of endless billions to the State and unfortunately, economic circumstances would dictate whether any exploration took place. Undoubtedly the oil, gas and other exploration companies are best placed in this respect. Hence, the technique that is required is to be able to define the precise level at which they should be rewarded or otherwise and at which the State can get royalties from their efforts. I am familiar with the debate that has taken place in respect of——

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