We know from Ministerial questions that the subject of policy on petroleum licensing is to come before the Executive very soon. However the Executive are only going to be able to discuss the policy options brought forward by the Minister for the Economy. The Department/Minister for the Economy has failed to confirm that the option of prohibiting petroleum licensing will be one of those options. If those options do not include a policy to leave Northern Ireland's oil and gas resources unexplored and in the ground, then we are looking at the creation of an oil and gas industry in Northern Ireland.

We are seeking a commitment from Sinn Féin, as one of two Executive parties with an effective veto, that they will not allow petroleum licensing options to be discussed at the Executive unless the option of removing petroleum licensing altogether is to be included.