Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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251. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if Forfas is pre-empting the publication of the Environment Protection Agency report on hydraulic fracturing by suggesting that the development of a new energy framework to facilitate the development of gas storage and new and diverse sources of gas for example fracking to ensure that Ireland has cost effective, secure and diverse electricity fuel into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21227/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is an independent Agency, is in the process of finalising Terms of Reference to engage the appropriate expertise to undertake scientific research into the potential environmental impacts of unconventional gas exploration and extraction. The key questions to be addressed by this research are, whether this technology can be used while fully protecting the environment and human health, and what the best environmental practice in using this technology might be. A report in this regard is not anticipated before early 2015.

In the meantime, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and I have both publicly confirmed that no application proposing the use of this technology would be considered nor would exploration licences in this regard be granted prior to publication of the EPA report and consideration of its findings.

Statements with regard to the development of new and diverse sources of gas do not alter this position in any respect.

Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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252. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if landowners are informed if their land is in a licence option area for hydraulic fracturing; the way they are informed; the timescale in which they are informed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21228/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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As I have advised on a number of occasions, if any company were to apply for an exploration licence that proposes hydraulic fracturing their application would be subject to an environmental impact assessment including a public consultation phase.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive plays a central role in the assessment of such applications as it ensures that the public is involved in the decision–making process.

The public consultation phase will afford local community groups and the general public an opportunity to comment on any project and its potential environmental effects, including potential socio-economic impacts before a decision is made.