asked the Minister for Transport and Power if this country has complied with the EEC emergency stocks directive to maintain a certain level of petroleum stocks.

Up to December, 1974, Ireland was in compliance with the EEC directive which required member states to maintain oil stocks at a level corresponding to 65 days average daily consumption. The requirement was raised to 90 days with effect from 1st January, 1975, and during the period since then our stocks have varied from 72 days to 83 days. I recently made regulations requiring the oil companies to increase their stocks and I am considering the further steps which can be taken to bring the level up to 90 days.

What action has the Minister taken on the earlier applications in view of the fact that the Minister for Local Government has refused planning permission for the erection of an oil refinery? Do I take it that earlier applications with the refinery are no longer alive?

They are still technically alive. Only part of one of them relates to the oil refinery and the Dublin Port and Docks Board are awaiting the formal refusal to come from the Department of Local Government before they decide whether they will reactivate it or allow it to lapse.

It is very hard to believe that the port and docks board have not yet been informed because the Minister announced his decision some weeks ago.

The formal decision has not been conveyed to the port and docks board.

I hope there is nothing sinister in that.

Absolutely nothing.