Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 142: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the development of natural resources in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28056/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 251: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans for the development of natural resources in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28123/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 268: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals in respect of future policy for the development of oil or gas resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28141/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 142, 251 and 268 together.

Ireland has two gas producing fields, namely the Kinsale-Ballycotton field and Seven Heads field. Kinsale-Ballycotton is in serious depletion now. We do not have any oil producing fields. The Corrib gas field is due to go into production in the next few years.

Before oil and gas resources can be developed, they must first be discovered. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources takes an active role in the promotion of petroleum exploration. Earlier this year, an area in the Rockall Basin was opened for licensing and two exploration licences were awarded. In March 2006, certain areas in the Slyne, Donegal and Erris Basins will be made available for licensing. This policy of opening areas occasionally for licensing in licensing rounds will continue into the future.

The terms governing petroleum exploration and development are kept under review by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. These terms are designed to encourage exploration in the Irish offshore. There are no immediate plans to reform the terms. Exploration and development of minerals is undertaken by private enterprise and regulated under the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999. All extraction of minerals under the Acts is subject to payment of royalties to the State. While those Acts will be consolidated and updated in a new minerals development Bill in preparation, it is not proposed to change that policy.