Review: The Great Natural Resources Debate

Considering it was clashing with two other events, there was an impressive turnout for this debate on Ireland's natural resources which just goes to show what a hot topic it is.

The debate's chair, Fintan O'Toole - Assitant Editor of The Irish Times - opened by saying that none of the speakers believe that Ireland has a 'pot of gold' that, in one swoop, will solve all our problems. Instead, he said, they would focus on what we can do to ensure we maximise those resources we do have.

The first speaker, Frank Connolly - Head of Communications with SIPTU - focused on the relationship between oil companies and successive Irish governments. Connolly was criticial of Fianna Fail in particular and said that it must be noted that many of the people who made key decisions regarding our natural resources, and the exploitation of the same, have subsequently been found to have been guilty of corruption in other areas. It was stirring stuff and you could sense that the majority of the crowd agreed with his call for those policies to be reviewed before any more licences are given out.

Amanda Slevin, who is currently undertaking research into the Irish state's management of its gas and oil resources, spoke next. She said that, of 150 fiscal policies on natural resources, Ireland's ranked 149th in terms of the benefits to the state. At most, she said, Ireland would get a 25% share of the profits from any find, which pales in comparison with countries like Nigeria where the state gets 80%

Next to speak was Stein Bredal, member of the Board of Directors of Satoil, the Norwegian state oil company. Far from telling us what policies we should implement, Bredal focused instead on the relationship between Norway, oil companies and natural resources. In a compelling delivery, Bredal stated that Ireland still has time to review its policies and that the country does not have to accept the status quo.

The last of the speakers was respected journalist, Colm Rapple. Rapple began by saying that perhaps, just perhaps, we should consider leaving the oil and gas in the ground. Under the current terms, he said, it would not be advisable, or profitable, for Ireland to extract them. 

Fintan O'Toole then opened the debate up to the floor and it was clear from the start that not only were the audience members very informed, but they were equally passionate about the subject. Several interesting and informative exchanges happened during the next 45 minutes to conclude a fascinating evening's entertainment.

You can see a copy of Stein Bredal's presentation here:

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