asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he is aware that Gulf Oil intend to transfer supplies of crude oil presently held in storage in Bantry, and if he has held any discussions with the company with a view to clarifying their future plans.

An examination of the possibilities of removing quantities of crude oil from the Gulf Oil terminal at Bantry has been undertaken in association with Gulf Oil representatives but consideration of the matter is still at a preliminary stage. It will be necessary to carry out more detailed examination of all the factors involved, including safety and pollution considerations and possible interference with the salvage operations being conducted at Whiddy, before final conclusions can be reached.

Has the Minister any view on this proposal to transfer oil from there?

It is a matter that is under consideration. It is clearly less urgent now than it would have been, say, two weeks ago.

How long does the Minister anticipate it will take before some arrangement is made in this regard?

I do not know, From our point of view it may not be necessary to make any arrangement in that regard now.

And never was. It was never desirable and the Minister panicked in making the announcement.

Am I correct in saying that the Minister told us earlier today that ten days of our reserves are actually tied up there? Can he comment on what use these reserves are to us unless they are accessible?

They can be made accessible within a relatively short time if we need them, but I do not want to draw on the reserves unless it is necessary to do so.

Where will they be refined?

Perhaps some of them at Whitegate or in Europe—Wales, Northern France or somewhere such as that.

And what price will be charged for this?

That is a matter that would arise only if it was decided to take a lot of oil.

And not a part of the reserves of other countries, I presume?

No, these are more of the criminals now who are interfering with our oil situation.

12.

asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he has seen a newspaper report (details supplied) in regard to the possible sale of the oil terminal at Whiddy Island and if he will furnish such information as is in his possession in this regard.

I have seen the newspaper article referred to and I can inform the Deputy that the report that the oil terminal at Whiddy has been offered for sale to the Government is incorrect.

Has the Minister any idea what will be the future of the terminal at Whiddy?

I think Gulf Oil have expressed the view that they propose in due course to rebuild the jetty which has been destroyed and to maintain the terminal. I believe they have expressed that view publicly. Their present preoccupation is with removing the half of the ship which sank there and nothing very much can be done by anybody until that wreckage is removed.

Is the Minister aware of any concrete plans being made for the rebuilding of Whiddy?

I do not think any concrete plans will be made until the half of the ship is removed.