Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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115. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the studies that have been undertaken by his Department in respect of examining the serious environmental damage caused by fracking; and, in view of recent experiences in North America, if he will withdraw the exploration licences issued and ban the practice. [19954/14]

Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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I am somewhat shocked that the Minister of State is not aware of what is happening in Britain in respect of fracking. The matter features prominently in today's edition of The Guardianwhich indicates that 45,000 British citizens have joined legal moves to stop their government from changing trespass laws. I presume the Minister of State is also not aware of what is happening in America, but he should note that what happens outside the State in the context of fracking is important. In that context, some serious and independent reports were commissioned in the United States which highlighted the danger of fracking, not just in terms of water quality but also with regard to air quality. Has the Minister of State analysed these reports?

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for tabling her question. I wish to make it clear that I have not read today's edition of The Guardian. Unlike her, I have not had the time to do so. Now that she has brought the relevant article to my attention, however, I will certainly read it. I reassure her that I read everything I can find about developments relating to fracking. I visited America recently and witnessed the process of fracking in an urban environment in the state of Texas. The fracking was taking place approximately 200 yards from a large housing estate. During my visit I made it my business to meet representatives of the US Environmental Protection Agency. I also met one of the authors of the report, in respect of which preliminary judgments have been made.

Like the Deputy, I am deeply concerned about the process of fracking. We want to ensure we get the science right and that we know exactly what is happening. I have the same concerns as everyone else about the technology and chemicals used - I am particularly worried about whether some of the chemical used may be carcinogenic - the protection of water tables, etc. All of the issues to which I refer lie at the heart of the Government's policy which is to ensure full academic research is carried out of the countries in which fracking has been banned and those in which it is legal. The Government's policy is also to take account of what the European Union has to state about fracking. I am deeply concerned about the beauty of the landscape in County Leitrim, County Fermanagh and elsewhere being affected by the impact of fracking. These issues are as of as much concern to me and my Department as they are to the Deputy.

Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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There is something of a contradiction in what the Minister of State has just said. While I do not in any way doubt his sincerity, there is a conflict between the words he used and the actions the Government has taken in allowing this process to continue. The Big Oil, Bad Air report which relates to the state of Texas and which was commissioned by a Pulitzer prize-winning team highlights some serious evidence not only in respect of water quality but also air quality. It indicates that the wells, compressor stations and various other items of infrastructure for fracking are emitting industrial-sized air pollutants into the atmosphere. I refer to volatile organic compounds such as benzine which can cause cancer, hydrogen sulfide and other very dangerous substances which are having a severe impact on the population of Texas. Examining the position of countries such as France which have outlawed this practice would be worthwhile. We should take our lead from such countries. There is no need to waste time in waiting for research when information outlining the huge environmental consequences which might arise should we go further down this road is already available.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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On the other side of the argument is the fact that fracking or unconventional gas extraction has absolutely transformed the American economy and that the country has become an exporter, rather than an importer, of energy. The fundamental question concerns what process, if any, the Government is allowing. The answer is absolutely none. A decision was made in the February before we took office by the previous Administration which granted three companies onshore licensing options. Notwithstanding the fact that these options were granted by the Fianna Fáil Government, it did not allow the companies to commence fracking which is not allowed in this country.

The scientific survey is being conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency. Until it is finalised and to hand, there is absolutely no way we will consider any new application or fracking will commence. I reject any implication to the contrary, although perhaps the Deputy did not intend to imply that there was. We are not in favour of any activity that would breach significant environmental protections that we need or any European Union environmental law or legislation. There is an advice note from the European Union on fracking. I reassure everyone that until the report is to hand, there will be no step forward in any respect. When it is to hand, it will be fully and properly debated in the House.

Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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In fairness, the Minister of State has been very strong in his response. I appreciate this and hope it will not come back to haunt him. Will he comment on the transatlantic trade and investment partnership, TTIP, under way in the European Union which gives special rights to companies? A report by Corporate Europe Observatory and other groups states the partnership is being used to stymie governments in preventing fracking, for example. Regardless of the Government's aspirations to protect Irish citizens from fracking, under the TTIP, fracking companies could overrule the Government, argue that their investments and future profits were being adversely affected and take action against the State. In that sense, how can we be reassured in this matter? Has the Minister of State examined the TTIP in this context?

Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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I asked the question before but did not receive a clear answer. As well as conducting research on the scientific data, will the EPA or the company engaged by it to carry out the research meet representatives of communities in other jurisdictions who have said they were damaged by fracking?

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I stand to be corrected, but on the latter point, as I understand it, submissions were sought by the EPA before anything happened. I understand the agency has received thousands of submissions, all of which are being gone through. There has been total transparency and total involvement. The views expressed to the EPA will obviously have to be considered.

Reference was made to community involvement. Even if a new Government were to take office tomorrow and state it would change all of this, it could not change the planning laws. There must be a full, transparent and accountable planning process, but we are not allowing it to commence at this stage. Until the report is to hand, there will be no developments whatsoever in this area.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The relevant Deputies are not present to deal with Questions Nos. 116 and 117.