Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the degree to which he has planned for the future development of the country's natural resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30432/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Petroleum exploration in Ireland, in common with most other jurisdictions, is carried out by private enterprise under licence from the State. Petroleum exploration authorisations are issued under the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960 and the operational framework is set out in the Licensing Terms for Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Development & Production 2007. In announcing the outcome to the 2011 Licensing Option Round, I indicated that while the outcome of the Licensing Round was positive in terms of the number of applications received, it is a matter of some concern that a relatively small number of applications were received over large parts of the deeper water basins where significant petroleum potential has also been indicated. We need to encourage attention in terms of our deeper water basins, seek strategies to fill data gaps and encourage an increase in drilling and data acquisition levels. I made clear that now is a time for innovative and inventive thinking and that I am open to changes in the regulatory framework that would encourage a greater focus by both contractors and exploration companies on under-explored areas of the Irish offshore.

Non-Petroleum minerals exploration is undertaken by private enterprise under Prospecting Licences issued under the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 to 1999. At present there are 517 active Prospecting Licences. Details of these licences can be found in the six-monthly report to the Oireachtas, which I am obliged to lay before the Houses under the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 to 1999. This report is also available on my Department's website. Following substantial consultation with industry and other interests, a major project to update and consolidate minerals legislation is underway and I would intend to bring forward a very substantial Minerals Development Bill in the New Year.