Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 211: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he proposes to alter or amend the conditions under which oil, gas or other mineral exploration is undertaken with particular reference to the licensing regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13886/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The terms governing the licensing of petroleum exploration and development are kept under constant review by the Department in light of the international market in which Ireland seeks to attract exploration companies. Ireland has yet to make the breakthrough needed to establish its prospecting.

The awards to be made under the Slyne-Erris-Donegal round will be issued under the existing licensing terms. When this round has been completed, the terms will be reviewed against the increased level of oil and gas prices in the international market and taking account of related developments in terms elsewhere.

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 intended to consolidate and update those Acts in a new minerals development Bill, it is not proposed to change that policy.