asked the Minister for Energy, having regard to earlier replies concerning an agreement with the Nigerian Government, whether contact is still being maintained with that Government; and whether there is any likelihood of negotiations being reopened.

26.

asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline a programme of activity for the upgrading of Whitegate Oil Refinery, County Cork; when that programme is likely to commence and conclude; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions No. 6 and 26 together.

A task force was established in May 1989 in pursuance of the Government's decision of 28 April 1989 to identify all realistic investment options for the facilities at Whitegate, and my predecessor announced the earmarking of funds for that purpose. The task force, assisted by international consultants, are currently evaluating the technical, economic and financial aspects of the investment options identified. Work is well progressed and I expect to receive the recommendations of the task force early in the new year.

In addition, I am continuing to seek an oil producer or an international oil company interested in possible involvement in the proposed upgrading of the refinery. Discussions with interested international parties are ongoing. However, no final proposals are at this stage under consideration in this regard.

While considerations of the proposals made by a consortium which included a Nigerian interest have been terminated, contact between Nigerian and Irish authorities on the future of Irish oil facilities is being maintained.

Will the Minister tell the House the nature of the participation he envisages for the oil supplying nation? Is there a question of equity participation by the oil supplier involved or are we to believe, as the Minister seemed to indicate on the last occasion he answered questions in the House, that equity participation is confined to a European company?

I hope I did not convey too much on the last occasion I was answering questions on this subject. This is a commercial matter and the discussions are ongoing. On the last occasion I was answering questions in the House I indicated that we were prepared to consider every commercial option. I pointed out that we have an open mind on these matters. No firm proposal has yet emerged and, therefore, options are still open in regard to the form the agreement between ourselves and the other side might take.

Will the Minister agree to allow the House consider his proposal before a final decision is made?

In view of the fact that no such proposal exists I do not think I can answer such a question.

Will the Minister permit the House to have a debate on whatever proposal emerges?

I will perform my duty as Minister for Energy in an efficient and proper fashion. When my decisions, and those of the Government, have been made I will be quite willing to debate them in the House.