Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the statement by the European Environment Commissioner, Janus Potocnik on hydraulic fracturing in regard to gaps in European legislation and the need for further proposals at European level, if he is willing to suspend any further progress on this process here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53292/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I am aware of the recent comments made by Commissioner Potocnik, with respect to the statutory framework governing hydraulic fracturing, and I am committed to ensuring that the relevant information is available to allow for a detailed assessment of any application proposing this technology.

As the Deputy will be aware the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources 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 published preliminary research into the environmental aspects of shale gas extraction in the form of a small desk based study, which was carried out by the University of Aberdeen. While the study is a preliminary study it will inform the development of the terms of reference for a much more detailed research study to be commissioned by the EPA later this year. While the terms of reference for this more extensive research are currently being drawn up by a steering group including representatives from the EPA and my Department, the findings of relevant international studies on hydraulic fracturing, including studies commissioned by the European Commission, will also be considered by the EPA research.

The outcome of the further research to be commissioned by the EPA will assist in a robust scientific based assessment of any future application proposing the use of this technology. In the meantime, I can confirm, that until there has been time to consider the second stage of the EPA research, the use of hydraulic fracturing in exploration drilling will not be authorised.