Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the progress being made on the second study undertaken by his Department in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency on identifying best practice for the use of hydraulic fracturing techniques; when such a study will be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46535/12]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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The terms of reference for this second and more extensive research are currently being drawn up. It is the intention of the Environmental Protection Agency, assisted by a steering committee comprising, amongst others, my Department, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, together with the Commission for Energy Regulation, to launch the research call later in 2012. It is anticipated that following the engagement of relevant experts, the conduct of the study could take in excess of 12 months, leading to a potential publication date in 2014. Until there has been time to consider the findings of this further research, I have confirmed the use of hydraulic fracturing in exploration drilling will not be authorised.