Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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48. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he can provide assurances that there are no potential adverse health impacts from hydraulic fracturing, if it were to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44823/15]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the EPA has commissioned a research programme into the potential impacts of Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction on the environment and human health. It should be noted that the draft Terms of Reference for this programme were the subject of a public consultation process which resulted in an amended and strengthened scope for the programme, including a key recommendation that the potential impacts from Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction on human health be considered as part of the project.

In this regard, the Tender Documents refer specifically to potential health impacts deriving from impacts on environmental media, including exposure to chemicals, vibration, light, noise, and the potential pollution of environmental media, including soils, air and water.

This all-island research programme will also specifically consider the potential role of Health Impact Assessment in the regulation of Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction projects and operations based on the experience in other countries, and will make recommendations towards developing a protocol in an island of Ireland context.

However, I would like to stress that any requirement for Health Impact Assessment into Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction would only arise if an application to carry out a development proposing the use of this technology were being considered.

As I have advised previously, no application to engage in Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction has been received in my Department, nor would any such application, if submitted, be considered until the research programme has concluded and there has been time to consider its findings. Any policy decision will be taken in the context of the objective of achieving a low carbon energy system by 2050.