Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the discussions he has had with the relevant Ministers in the UK Government and the Northern Executive in relation to the issuing of licences for shale gas exploration in County Fermanagh and other areas of Northern Ireland; if he was given assurances in relation to the possible negative consequences that gas extraction in Northern Ireland might have south of the Border; if any discussions took place in relation to developing a common approach to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37212/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I can confirm that my Department has had informal contact with the Northern Ireland Authorities in relation to onshore petroleum authorisations in the North West Carboniferous Basin. The petroleum authorisations granted in both jurisdictions are at a very early stage and the engagement between the respective authorities will continue should these authorisations proceed to the drilling stage.