Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for tabling her question. I wish to make it clear that I have not read today's edition of The Guardian. Unlike her, I have not had the time to do so. Now that she has brought the relevant article to my attention, however, I will certainly read it. I reassure her that I read everything I can find about developments relating to fracking. I visited America recently and witnessed the process of fracking in an urban environment in the state of Texas. The fracking was taking place approximately 200 yards from a large housing estate. During my visit I made it my business to meet representatives of the US Environmental Protection Agency. I also met one of the authors of the report, in respect of which preliminary judgments have been made.

Like the Deputy, I am deeply concerned about the process of fracking. We want to ensure we get the science right and that we know exactly what is happening. I have the same concerns as everyone else about the technology and chemicals used - I am particularly worried about whether some of the chemical used may be carcinogenic - the protection of water tables, etc. All of the issues to which I refer lie at the heart of the Government's policy which is to ensure full academic research is carried out of the countries in which fracking has been banned and those in which it is legal. The Government's policy is also to take account of what the European Union has to state about fracking. I am deeply concerned about the beauty of the landscape in County Leitrim, County Fermanagh and elsewhere being affected by the impact of fracking. These issues are as of as much concern to me and my Department as they are to the Deputy.

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