AQO 52/22-27 Oral question to the Minister for the Economy
To ask the Minister for the Economy whether he will introduce legislation to ban onshore petroleum exploration and production.
Asked by Eóin Tennyson MLA on 15 February 2024
- Answered
- Oral
- Answered in the Chamber
- Tabled
- 15 February 2024
- Answer due by
- 26 February 2024
- Answered
- 26 February 202411 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for the Economy
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Answered in the Assembly Chamber on 26 February 2024. Extract from the Official Report (Hansard), including any supplementary questions:
Mr C Murphy
The Department is undertaking a review of that policy area. A consultation on new onshore petroleum licensing policy is currently live and will close on 12 April. My intention, which was also the proposed position set out in that consultation, is to introduce a legislative ban on all forms of onshore petroleum exploration and production. Following analysis of the consultation responses, I will seek Executive approval for a final policy position. I will then be able to introduce the necessary legislation.
Mr Tennyson
I thank the Minister for his answer. He has outlined his position with regard to onshore petroleum licensing. I understand that offshore petroleum licensing is a reserved matter. Does he intend to engage with the UK Government on securing a ban in that area?
Mr C Murphy
The Member is correct to say that it is a matter for the Government in London, but I am happy to engage with them and raise any particular issues. Part of the rationale for introducing a ban on onshore exploration is that we need to move away from fossil fuels and that they do not contribute to our carbon reduction targets.
If the Government in London are intent on continuing to do that offshore, I do not think that that assists us generally in moving towards those targets. I am therefore very happy to talk to them about that.
Mr Speaker
We will move on to topical questions.