Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, United Left)
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97. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm that consultants (details supplied) who are currently working for the oil and gas industry are the main contributors to the Environmental Protection Agency's co-ordinated research study, which is advising the Government on hydraulic fracturing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37243/15]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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As is usual in major and broad ranging projects such as this, the project team involves a wide range of expert institutions and companies. CDM Smith is the lead consultant in the consortium engaged to carry out the programme of research and that consortium includes the British Geological Survey, University College Dublin, Ulster University, AMEC Foster Wheeler and Philip Lee Solicitors, each offering a particular specialism required by the project scope.

I understand that the contract for this programme of research was awarded following a robust evaluation process in compliance with public procurement guidelines, where the tender submitted by the CDM Smith headed consortium was evaluated as being the strongest bid.

I am aware that there has been some comment on the fact that members of the consortium have also provided expert advice to the oil industry. I am also aware that members of the consortium have provided advice to State bodies, regulatory agencies and the European Commission, across their area of expertise. As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, it is common that a broad range of parties will seek to draw on the specialist expertise available from such companies. The fact that disparate entities seek to draw on such expertise, is generally seen as an indicator of a company's recognised experience.