Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the changes he is planning to make to the licensing and regulatory regime for the exploration and exploitation of natural resources here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34340/05]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to alter the terms and conditions under which companies are granted oil and gas exploration licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34474/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 310: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to review the conditions regarding the exploration on or off shore in respect of oil or gas or other minerals with a view to ensuring a fair return to the State from such resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34958/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 114, 183 and 310 together.

The terms governing petroleum exploration and development are kept under constant review by my Department. These terms are designed to encourage interest, exploration and development. Unfortunately, prospectivity in the Irish offshore is low, as four successful exploration wells out of 121 wells over 34 years demonstrates, and operating conditions are difficult. The challenge, therefore, is to balance the risks involved in petroleum exploration with any benefits which would accrue where a commercial find is made. Whether we like it or not, Irish offshore prospectivity is not comparable with our petroleum producing neighbours. Until this situation changes, it would be unwise to reform the terms at this time.

I intend, however, to introduce Bills to update the legislation governing petroleum exploration and development, namely the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960 and The Continental Shelf Act 1968. With regard to non- petroleum minerals, exploration and development 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 it is my intention to consolidate and update those Acts in a new Minerals Development Bill currently in preparation, I do not propose to change that policy.