Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consider a public consultation in conjunction with the more detailed research study to be commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency on the environmental implications of hydraulic fracturing later this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55881/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed that the terms of reference for the second and more detailed EPA research on the environmental implications of hydraulic fracturing as a means of extracting natural gas from underground reservoirs are currently being drawn up by a steering group, which includes representatives from amongst others, the EPA and my Department. In line with the EPA's policy on openness and transparency and in order to receive comments from stakeholders, the EPA has confirmed that it will launch a public consultation on this draft document and interested parties will be invited to submit written comments in this regard.

It is anticipated that following the engagement of the relevant experts, the study will take in excess of twelve months to complete, leading to a potential publication date in 2014.