Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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9. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the Environmental Protection Agency will complete its review of hydraulic fracturing; his position on hydraulic fracturing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31427/14]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The question is on the same theme as the previous question. When will the Environmental Protection Agency complete its review of hydraulic fracking? What is the position of the Minister of State on hydraulic fracking?

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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We will be going over the same ground, if Members will forgive the pun. In November 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, issued a call for tenders to engage the relevant expertise to conduct detailed research into the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing technology. The selection process, overseen by a steering group that includes representatives from my Department and a number of other Departments and agencies, has concluded. An announcement from the EPA on the award of the tender is expected shortly. The research programme envisaged will be very significant and will include identification and a detailed examination of potential impacts on the environment and human health, as well as potential successful mitigation measures to counteract the impacts of such projects and operations that have come to the fore worldwide. Where appropriate, it is expected that findings will be accompanied by reference to experiences in other countries. The research programme will take in the region of two years to complete.

Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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Large corporations, who are likely to engage in the fracking process if they are allowed, have a wonderful capacity to buy the research and influence how the media covers the matter. In America, fracking has been lauded as a wonderful form of cheap energy and a great help to the state, while others are trying to highlight the fact that the water table has been seriously damaged. The short-term financial gains could be damaging in the long term for the health of individuals who live in the area as well as the environment. It is important that we do not accept lock stock and barrel everything the large companies tell us because they have a poor history in the area.

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Vigilance is key and there will be vigilance in the House. In framing public policy, we must review how we work with our communities and the community representation structures. Lessons must be learned from some of the bigger issues, such as pylons and the question of underground versus overground lines, and about how public policy must include the community. It must be part of this and, within the two-year period, I will be vigilant and adamant that community has a voice about its concerns from the human and environmental points of view.