Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Burke. I appreciate the comprehensive nature of her presentation. Is there an understanding that the shale gas components would be made up in this country? Is there enough geological evidence to indicate that this country's geological composition could be different from that of other countries? Has the EPA received any indication of that? What sort of criteria will the EPA use when it compiles its report? Ms Burke mentioned various issues. It seems to me, from the little I know about this matter, that different procedures are used in different countries. Most of the information is coming out of America. For example, chemicals are currently being used. Tamboran, which is the leading company in this area, has repeatedly said it will not use chemicals but will use water only. The area where it is proposed to extract shale gas has a high water content in terms of lakes and rivers. That is unlike the American experience of locations like deserts that have a totally different topography. Will the EPA take that into account when it is setting the criteria? What will it be looking for? What can we expect to get at the end of this report? Ms Burke indicated that the EPA is tracking what is happening in other countries. She referred to the American report. It seems that the actual procedures continue to be the subject of a great deal of controversy. Will the EPA issue a report that focuses on how the gas is extracted? What sort of safeguards will be built into the procedures? I appreciate that it is difficult for the EPA, which is just starting to examine this matter, to answer these questions at this time. Based on the preliminary report that was issued by the University of Aberdeen, can Ms Burke give an indication of the conclusions the EPA has come to in its thinking at this stage? There may be other questions. I have asked about the generality. I know others wish to get involved.