Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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107. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has considered and is concerned by a British Columbia Oil and Gas Commission report that notes that 231 earthquakes triggered by hydraulic fracturing were recorded in the Montney region of British Columbia in 2014; if he has considered and is concerned by recent reports that a hydraulic fracturing company (details supplied) was responsible for triggering an earthquake in August 2015 that measured 4.6 on the Richter scale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31714/15]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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The research programme directed at examining the potential environmental and human health impacts of hydraulic fracturing commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency is ongoing. That research programme will have regard to experiences in other countries and draw on published reports and other sources. While the research programme is ongoing, it would not be useful for me as Minister to comment on individual reports.

I can once again reiterate that no decision will be made on any proposal for the use of hydraulic fracturing in exploration drilling in Ireland as part of an unconventional gas exploration programme until there has been time to consider the outcome of the research programme commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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108. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has read the recent study on water quality across the Barnett Shale in Texas in the United States of America, which appeared in the peer-reviewed Environmental Science and Technology, and which found that, near to hydraulic fracturing centres, drinking water has more chemicals and carcinogens; in view of this study, and the extensive scientific research that has found hydraulic fracturing to have substantial risks and negative consequences for public health, the environment, and the climate, if he is satisfied with the fact that Ireland is currently considering the viability of this practice through the Environmental Protection Agency study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31792/15]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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The research programme directed at examining the potential environmental and human health impacts of hydraulic fracturing commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency is ongoing. That research programme will have regard to experiences in other countries and draw on published reports and other sources. While the research programme is ongoing, it would not be useful for me as Minister to comment on individual reports.

I can once again reiterate that no decision will be made on any proposal for the use of hydraulic fracturing in exploration drilling in Ireland as part of an unconventional gas exploration programme, until there has been time to consider the outcome of the research programme commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency.