asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if it is possible to integrate Aran Energy's proposals for an oil refinery in the Shannon Estuary with the Whitegate facility.

As the Deputy is aware, Aran Energy are a private concern, and in respect of the matter raised by the Deputy their decisions are not subject to ministerial direction. It is not clear from the Deputy's question on what basis he envisages that integration of the company's proposals at the Whitegate facility would be feasible or beneficial but he may be assured that I would consider very carefully any ideas in this regard which would contribute to the development at national level of policy on oil refining.