John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will deal, first, with the proposal listed in Schedule B of the EU proposals before us. It is proposed that this proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.

We will now deal with the proposals listed in Schedule A. On COM (2014) 23, there is a communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the exploration and production of hydrocarbons such as shale gas, using high volume hydraulic fracturing in the European Union, and a Commission recommendation of 22 January 2014 on the minimum principles for the exploration and production of hydrocarbons such as shale gas, using high volume hydraulic fracturing. Notwithstanding the fact that the Ireland is not currently involved in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons, it is proposed that the communication and recommendation require further scrutiny. It is proposed, therefore, to write to the lead Department to seek its views and observations on the Commission's communication and recommendation. Is that agreed? Agreed.