asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if any other EEC country possesses a State corporation with a structure and functions on which the proposed National Oil Corporation might be modelled.

6.

asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will publish a White Paper on oil supply in advance of the legislation proposed in regard to a National Oil Corporation.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 6 together.

The structures and functions of State oil organisations in the EEC and elsewhere, have, of course, been considered in relation to the proposed legislation and I have no doubt that the text of the Bill, when published, will contain a number of provisions similar to those in the legislation of other countries.

However, the fundamental considerations as regards structure and functions which I have in mind for the national oil corporation are the energy needs of the Irish economy and, in particular, the security of future oil supplies.

Given that the discussion document "Energy-Ireland", published in July 1978, contained information on oil supply in the context of over-all energy policy I do not propose to publish a White Paper on oil supply at this stage.

I expect to introduce the legislation later this year at which time Deputies will have the opportunity to discuss all aspects of the proposed corporation and the general question of oil supplies.

In view of the fact that the Green Paper to which the Minister referred only contains a small section on energy, would the Minister consider that by now his reflections on this matter might have reached the point where he could tell the House for example whether it is envisaged that this national oil corporation would have any private sector content, or would it be a purely State-created body?

That is a separate question.

I am trying to find out the nature of the thing.

The Deputy might put down a question on those lines.

I did and it was ruled out.

The Deputy can try again.

Has the Minister any clue as to how he envisages this corporation? Will it be something like the ESB or will it be a private sector operation with State participation, or what will it be? Has the Minister any ideas?

The Deputy knows that he may not anticipate legislation.

I have already made it perfectly clear to anybody who is interested that I envisage a State corporation, even the Deputy's question refers to it as that. I do not envisage private sector involvement.

The Minister does not? All right.

I do not rule out the possibility of them co-operating in one way or another with private sector interests if they feel it appropriate.

What exactly will they be doing?

Question No. 7. Deputy Kelly may not question across the floor. We are not going to have a catechism at this time.