Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has issued licences to two companies, in what is referred to as the Lough Allen basin but takes in the counties of Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo and Roscommon, in order to involve themselves in exploratory mining to assess the natural gas potential of the acreage in the area. Already, this has generated considerable concern especially among tourism interests and those concerned about the environment, as I would hope we all are, with regard to the possible adverse impact that drilling could have. They intend to use a technology known as fracking, which sinks deep wells and uses an astonishing amount of water mixed with chemicals to release the gas and then pipe it. As a result of the concern expressed, I call on the Leader to request that the line Minister come to the House to allay the concerns of the people in the areas I have mentioned, in particular because a film called "Gasland" is being shown throughout the counties I have mentioned. I understand a local film producer has initiated this process. My colleagues from Leitrim and Roscommon will be familiar with it. The film is creating a certain mild hysteria, primarily because only one side of the argument is being put forward. Admittedly, the film is based on activities of two or three years ago but it shows the experience of fracking procedures in America and how it yields the most astonishing results, such as turning on one's tap and having an explosion come out of it as a result of the mixture of chemicals.

I do not wish this issue to become another Corrib gas controversy. Allegedly, there is more than 6 billion cu. ft. of gas in the Lough Allen basin which, were it to be taken out, could generate some €120 billion for the Irish economy. There are two sides to this discussion and I am keen to ensure that misinformation is not allowed to continue to be disseminated to a concerned public in the areas to which I have referred. This is a matter of vital national importance because of the potential benefit to the country if all the licensed obligations are adhered to. I call on the Leader to indicate when the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, is due to come to the House in order that the issue can be properly aired in the Parliament to allay the fears of the people in the areas to which I have referred.