Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We will have to part company on the science. Perhaps I am naive, but I think the science stands on its own. Scientific evidence is important to policy making. As a policy maker, the Minister of the day will make a decision based on the best available advice and evidence and will come to the House to account for it. It will be at least another year before the EPA's findings emerge. We should have confidence in ourselves, as a people, a Government and a Parliament to make the right decision. The scientific evidence will assist us in that regard. Like the Deputy, I keep abreast of the experience of fracking in other countries. I am aware of the changes introduced in New York. The correct process is to await the outcome of the EPA's study before determining whether there is a basis for making a decision. That is my position as Minister.

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