Government approval was given on 2 February 2021 to draft Heads of Bill which would give statutory effect to ending the issuing of new licences for the exploration and extraction of gas on the same basis as the decision taken in 2019 by the previous Government in relation to oil. Minister Ryan made this Programme for Government commitment effective immediately upon taking office - DECC is no longer accepting new applications for exploration licences for natural gas or oil, nor will there be any future licensing rounds. This commitment will be provided for in legislation at the Committee Stage of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill. We are also publishing the necessary draft amendments to the Petroleum and other Minerals Act today.