Mr. Dara Lynott:

I said the EPA was independent and that, in terms of the research study, we specifically asked for people with experience in this area and preferably of hydraulic fracturing. I also said the research would be peer-reviewed and that the individuals involved in it had to sign conflict of interest agreements. I referred to the independence of the EPA in commissioning the research and that of the evaluation committee in assessing whether it stood up to international scrutiny. Based on the tender, we are relying on the expertise and scientific integrity of all those involved within the consortium to deliver world class peer-reviewed research.