asked the Minister for Energy whether any British exploration for off-shore oil is taking place or has taken place in the area of sea disputed between Ireland and Britain arising out of the Rockall Plateau issue; and, if so, if he will give details of each such exploration including the names of the exploring companies and the basis on which they are carrying out their explorations in that part of the disputed area.

: To the best of my knowledge no exploration for oil is taking place or has taken place in the area in question.

As the Deputy will be aware from my written reply to a similar question from Deputy O'Keeffe on 26 June 1980, it had come to my attention earlier this year that a British oil company intended to carry out seismic work in certain blocks off the north west, parts of which are claimed by both this country and by Britain. I indicated that my Department had written formally to the company in May of this year pointing out that parts of the blocks in question were claimed and designated by this country and that no company had the right to carry out exploration work in our designated area without first obtaining a licence from my Department to do so. In July the company informed my Department that they would not be going ahead with the seismic programme planned for this year.

: What facilities are at the Minister's disposal to determine whether such exploration is taking place or not?

: If the Deputy is asking whether we have a survey going on to see whether people are doing this kind of thing, we do not. But we learn of these things in various ways and of course we have facilities for investigating and if necessary taking action in the case of activity which should not be carried on.

: What arrangement, if any, is there to patrol these areas to see what is happening?

: I am advised that it would be quite unrealistic to maintain patrols for this purpose. This is not the kind of operation that can be done on a fly-by-night basis.

: I am aware of that.

: Ceist a hocht.