Committee for the Economy
Committee Stage - Petroleum Exploration and Licensing (Repeal) Bill
The Petroleum Exploration and Licensing (Repeal) Bill was introduced by the Minister for the Economy on 13 April 2026. The Bill completed its Second Stage on 27 April 2026.
The purpose of the Bill is to introduce a ban on issuing licences for all forms of onshore petroleum exploration and production in Northern Ireland through amendments to The Petroleum (Production) Act (Northern Ireland) 1964 and further amending regulations. This means it will not be possible for individuals or companies to explore for or produce oil and gas in the onshore area of Northern Ireland. This includes all forms of oil and gas and all the different techniques for accessing them.
Further information on the Bill can be found by following the links below:
As part of the Assembly’s legislative processes, the Petroleum Exploration and Licensing (Repeal) Bill has been referred to the Assembly’s Committee for the Economy so that the Committee can consider and take evidence on the Bill and report its opinion to the Assembly.
As part of the Committee Stage, the Committee sought views from stakeholders on the objectives, proposals and potential consequences of the Bill.
Useful Information
View the current progress of the Bill and all related information
Guide to submitting evidence to Assembly Committees in written or other formats
Understanding a Bill: a guide for stakeholders
Assembly Committees Privacy Notice
Quick Links
Minutes of Proceedings relating to the Bill
Minutes of Evidence (Official Report)
Other Papers
Departmental Papers and Correspondence
Written Submissions
Contact us
If you have any queries or require any further information about the call for evidence or the Committee Stage of the Petroleum Exploration and Licensing (Repeal) Bill, please contact the Committee Clerk:
Address: Room 245, Parliament Buildings,
Ballymiscaw,Stormont,
Belfast, BT4 3XX
Email: Committee.Economy@niassembly.gov.uk
Telephone: (028) 905 21821
