The ISPSG Group, the successor to the joint industry Rockall Studies Group and Porcupine Studies Group, was set up by the Petroleum Affairs Division (PAD) in 2002 and concentrates on the regional exploration elements of the PIP / PEPPS objectives with an aim to address common industry problems anywhere in the Irish Offshore.  Specific work themes include:
· regional geological and geophysical data gathering and studies aimed at improving knowledge of petroleum systems and exploration potential;
· special engineering studies to improve E&P cost effectiveness and recommendations on better procedures and practices;
· environmental baseline studies and monitoring with a view to developing regional impact assessment frameworks;
· other project areas to be agreed with the PAD.

There are four technical committees covering the various work strands of the ISPSG as follows:
· Geology & Geophysics
· Environment
· Engineering
· Data Management & Support Services.

Funding: € 80,000 per annum from Licence Groups and the PAD.

Members: Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Dana, ENI, Shell, PAD, Ramco, Total and Statoil were the initial members of the first phase of the ISPSG programme from 2002-2003. The currently active ISPSG membership (February 2009) comprises Chevron, ENI, ExxonMobil, Hess, Island Oil & Gas, OMV, PAD/DCENR, Providence Resources, Serica Energy, Shell, Sosina Exploration and Statoil.

Management: Management of this group is by way of a joint Industry / PAD management committee, chaired by the PAD and assisted by the technical committees and a Secretariat.

Members' Representatives:
Noel Murphy (PAD/DCENR) - Chair Management Committee
Dave Lewis (Chevron)
Eugenio Antonielli (ENI)
Haakan Ledge (ExxonMobil)
Ruth Manson (Hess)
Alan Campbell (Island Oil & Gas)
Stephan Hannke (OMV)
John O'Sullivan (Providence Resources)
Ian Wilson (Serica Energy)
David Davies (Sosina Exploration)
John Conroy (Shell)
Brian MacTiernan (Statoil)

Secretariat: A Secretariat has been set up in Dublin to assist the ISPSG with a range of administrative matters including secretarial duties, contract preparation, project management and data storage.

Contact:
ISPSG Secretariat
7 Dundrum Business Park
Windy Arbour
Dublin 14
Tel.: +353 1 296 4667
Fax: +353 1 296 4676
E-mail: noneill@slrconsulting.com

To date a total of 38 projects are being supported by the ISPSG Phase 2.