Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 152: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the stage of the negotiations for new exploration contracts in Irish waters for 2007 and 2008; when he expects to amend the general terms of such contracts to insure that future discoveries will lead to a greater return to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11486/07]

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

My Department is at present considering two applications for new exploration licences. I have also announced the fact that a licensing round will be held later this year in which applications will be invited for frontier exploration licences over the Porcupine Basin.

In relation to the licensing regime, I am considering the report of the consultants who were engaged to assist with the review of the licensing terms. I will bring my proposals for the future of the licensing regime to Government in the near future and I will then take appropriate steps to give effect to the decisions taken. I have signalled that it is my intent that any adjustment of the licensing terms would apply to licences awarded this year.