Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 28: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of the Irish seabed that is licensed for the exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons; the percentage of geologically significant areas for the exploration of hydrocarbons that have been licensed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2623/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The percentage of Ireland's designated continental shelf that is currently licensed for exploration or leased for production of hydrocarbons is 4.4%. The percentage of the area of sedimentary basin (i.e. geologically significant for hydrocarbons) within the designated continental shelf that is currently licensed for exploration or leased for production of hydrocarbons is 9.3%.

While Ireland has recognised potential as a petroleum producing area, the Irish offshore is relatively under explored. As a result Ireland's petroleum potential is largely unproven. This is likely to continue to be the case, until there is an increase in the level of exploration activity offshore Ireland and there is an increase in the level of exploration drilling in particular.