Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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42. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures Department is considering in to prevent fracking here, in view of the recent US geological survey which found fracking waste to be the primary cause of a dramatic rise in earthquakes even in areas which previously did not experience earthquakes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10513/15]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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As has been outlined on a number of occasions, no decision will be made on any proposal for the use of hydraulic fracturing, as part of an unconventional gas exploration or extraction project, until there has been time to consider the outcome of a major research programme, directed at examining the potential environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing, which was commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The key questions that this research programme, which is to be carried out over a minimum period of two years, needs to answer are:

- Can unconventional gas exploration and extraction projects and operations be carried out in the island of Ireland whilst also protecting the environment and human health? and

- What is ‘best environmental practice’ in relation to such projects and operations?

To this end this scientific research programme is based on the consideration of existing baseline data with respect to groundwater, air and seismicity and the potential implications and mitigations that are required to be considered in order to understand the possible environmental impacts of using this technology and whether or not it can be undertaken in an environmentally protective manner in accordance with the requirements of environmental law.

I can once again confirm that no decision will be made on any proposal for the use of hydraulic fracturing, as part of any unconventional gas exploration and extraction programme, until there has been time to consider the outcome of this EPA research.

Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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43. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the Shale Gas REC report published in early March by the European Commission, which revealed an alarming lack of consistency in regulation; and his further views to lobby within the EU for a European wide fracking ban. [10229/15]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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In January 2014, the European Commission adopted a Recommendation inviting Member States to follow minimum principles when applying or adapting their legislation applicable to hydrocarbons exploration or production using high volume hydraulic fracturing. At that time the Commission also issued a Communication outlining the potential new opportunities and challenges stemming from shale gas extraction in Europe, as well as an Impact Assessment that examined the socio-economic and environmental impacts of various policy options. Member States were invited to inform the Commission by the end of 2014 on measures that they had put in place in response to the Recommendation and the Commission has recently published the information provided by Member States. As expected, the information provided illustrates differing circumstances between Member States in terms of both the existence of unconventional hydrocarbon resources and where such resources exist, whether or not exploration is taking place.

While the Commission has not proposed a uniform approach to regulation in this area, it has has confirmed that assessment of projects proposing the use of hydraulic fracturing in exploration for and production of shale gas, is subject to a number of EU Directives, including the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive and the Habitats Directive. In addition to the Recommendation and Communication mentioned already, the Commission has published a number of research documents into the potential impacts of unconventional exploration and extraction of gas including:

1. Unconventional Gas: Potential Energy Market Impacts in the EU;

2. Climate Impact of Potential Shale Gas Production in the EU;

3. Report on the identification of potential risks for the environment and human health arising from Unconventional Gas operations in Europe; and

4. Mitigation of Climate Impacts of Possible Future Shale Gas Extraction in the EU, Available Technologies best practices and options for policy makers.

Within the context of existing EU legislation and guidance provided, it is a matter for each Member State to determine its own approach to the exploitation of its hydrocarbon natural resources. As the Deputy will be aware, decision making in Ireland will be informed by the findings of a major programme of research that was commissioned last year by the EPA, with a report expected in 2016. I can once again confirm that no decision will be made on any proposal for the use of hydraulic fracturing, as part of any unconventional gas exploration and extraction programme in Ireland, until there has been time to consider the outcome of this EPA research.