Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total number of oil, gas or drilling explorations that have taken place on and offshore in each of the past ten years to date; the number of commercially viable discoveries in that period; the extent to which modern technology is likely to facilitate a higher rate of viable explorations in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10334/13]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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No oil or gas explorations/appraisal drilling onshore Ireland has taken place in the last ten years. A total of fifteen explorations/appraisal wells were drilled in the Irish offshore since 2003, a breakdown per year is set out in the table hereunder.

There has been six discoveries of both oil and gas since 2003, however none have been declared commercial to date.

While there have been incremental advances in exploration technology in recent years, an increase in the level of exploration drilling is required if Ireland’s petroleum potential is to be realised.