Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 272: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the Government policy governing oil and gas exploration and exploitation by non-national companies and national companies; and the Government strategy in this regard going forward. [32752/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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My Department's policy in this area has the aim of maximising the benefits to Ireland from exploration for, and production of, our indigenous oil and gas resources, while ensuring that these activities are conducted safely and with due regard to their impact on the environment and other land or sea users.

Earlier this year I announced revised terms for oil and gas exploration and production. The new terms are designed to encourage exploration activity in Ireland whilst ensuring a greater return to the State from our natural resources. The licensing terms apply in the same way to all companies, both national and international. It is a condition attaching to all exploration licences that the licence holders must be subject to taxation within this State. When considering licence applications the key consideration is the work programme to be agreed with the applicant and whether or not the applicant has the necessary technical and financial capacity to deliver that work programme.