Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would like to mention some of the figures that are on the record. It is estimated that there are over 1.7 billion barrels in the Providence company's Barryroe field, which is south of the County Cork coast. It appears that 270 million barrels can be pumped in a viable manner. The Minister mentioned the Dunquin field, which is also very promising. These estimated figures are significant when one considers that oil is selling for between $90 and $100 per barrel. The unfortunate position we have inherited is the result of some very rash political decisions that were made in the past. The Minister and the Government are realistic about this. We should act in a step-by-step manner in revisiting this issue. Surely we can find a means of protecting ourselves because we need these important funds for our education, health and welfare systems and to deal with the issues we are facing. We do not have much to fall back on. I think we can retrieve this.

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