To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQW 25269/17-22, for an update on the Department’s review of petroleum licensing.

The review of petroleum licensing looked at a wide range of evidence including Northern Ireland specific research, existing policies and commitments as well as international studies and the views of stakeholders. Following this, in January 2022, I circulated a draft Executive paper to my Ministerial colleagues about future onshore petroleum licensing policy. My paper recommended that the Executive agree a preferred policy option of a moratorium on all forms of exploration and extraction of oil and gas, to be followed by the introduction of a legislative ban.

As this is considered to be a cross cutting and controversial policy area it will require the agreement of an Executive, following which, the preferred option will be subject to public consultation.