Mr. Matthew Collins:

I thank the Chairman for inviting the Department to participate in the hearings on the EPA joint research programme. I understand that my statement is available to the committee. Therefore, I will limit myself to some introductory remarks to save time.

I confirm that the moratorium declared by Ministers on any fracking activities in Ireland has been in place since 2011 and continues. No applications have been approved. The Department acknowledges that the timeline envisaged for the research was longer than anticipated but the report does answer some questions about the impact of the unconventional exploration for gas on the environment and health. Three significant areas require to be addressed before we can conclude that the methodology for this extraction could be used in a compliant manner. Two relate to groundwater concerns and the third is the implications for air quality. While not highlighted in the three recommendations, it is also noteworthy that the report finds there are significant gaps in the legislative framework covering this activity not only in Ireland but in several countries. As the Minister indicated in the Dáil that he would like to see science-led research as the basis on which we make decisions and conclude this matter, it is considered appropriate that we discuss the findings and move on to the legislation. The Minister indicated that the issues raised in the report justify maintaining the moratorium until a definitive view is taken. This committee's conclusions on the findings of the joint research programme will inform this conclusion and view.

The Minister has indicated that he supports a Private Member's Bill proposed by Deputy Tony McLoughlin which proposes to introduce a ban on fracking. It has passed Second Stage in the Dáil. The Minister indicated at that time that he would table some technical amendments based on the language on Committee Stage. This is to ensure that the complexity surrounding the technology is properly captured and that no unexpected or unintended consequences might arise from the legislation.

We are very happy to answer any questions from the committee.