Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 319: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will accept that there is a need to set terms of reference for the Environment Protection Agency in investigating the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing for gas. [35893/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I indicated recently that I had requested the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct research and advise on the environmental implications of hydraulic fracturing as a means of extracting natural gas from underground reserves. The EPA is currently funding preliminary background research in the form of a study being carried out by Aberdeen University. The EPA had consulted with my Department before finalising the terms of reference for this study and my Department will continue to liaise with the EPA in relation to the commissioning of a further and more extensive study in 2012. The final scope of this further more detailed study, which will be informed in part by the findings of the Aberdeen University study, will be determined by the EPA, which is an independent statutory body.