Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 65: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the details of the process followed in the appointment of a person (details supplied) as auditor of independent verification in the matter of the proposed Corrib gas project. [8067/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The work in question was formerly carried out by the ocean services division of Enterprise Ireland on behalf of the petroleum affairs division of my Department. The ocean services division completed substantial work on the Corrib development and independent verification process, the criteria for which the development had to satisfy prior to the commissioning and production of first gas.

Enterprise Ireland withdrew from the area in March 2002. The petroleum affairs division of my Department determined that the considerable relevant expertise of the individual in question, an experienced engineer, meant he should continue in his role as a consultant. It was further decided that the industry should continue to be liable for the cost of the work. The individual in question has continued to do his work at no cost to the State.