asked the Minister for Energy the proposed life of the Kinsale gas field; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The life expectancy of the Kinsale Head field will be determined by the rate at which the recoverable reserves of gas in place will be depleted. In general these are expected to last until at least the end of the century.

Does the reply mean that there is only 16 years' life now left in the gas field while the estimate a year ago was that it would last for 25 years?

I am sure the Deputy fully understands that there are many variables as to the off-take of gas. The answer is farmed to give precise information and we are saying it will last at least until the end of the century while there is a possibility it will last longer, depending on the off-take. The gas reserves of the Kinsale field were upgraded from 1 to 1.353 trillion cubic feet in 1980. Given that fact, we can comfortably say there will be gas there until the end of the century and possibly for a number of years after that, obviously depending on the variables and the amount of gas taken off.

Is it intended in the next year or so to reduce the rate of depletion, particularly if the amount of gas going to the ESB is reduced, as appears to be the intention?

Yes. There will be a reduction of the off-load to the ESB but that will be balanced out by the amount of gas going to Northern Ireland and the development of the pipeline elsewhere. There is a question of balance between the present off-take, the future expansion for industrial use and the whole question of the long-term off-take. I can safely say the supply will not expire before the end of the century and could last for a number of years after that.

When is it proposed to reduce considerably the quantity of gas being used by the ESB?

Between now and 1988 there will be a considerable reduction.

Would that not more than compensate for any additional usage in cities, in industry or in Northern Ireland?

There is a balancing factor between those.