Deputy Michael Colreavy, Sinn Féin spokesperson for communications, energy and natural resources, has responded to Minister Rabbitt'’s comments on fracking, saying that the government should not be considering the use of fracking at this time.

Deputy Colreavy said: "I understand that Minister Rabbitte will wait until the EPA report on fracking is published before making a decision on whether to grant an exploratory licence for the use of the process.

"However, Sinn Féin has highlighted the fact that the EPA report takes a very narrow view of the fracking process.

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"Fracking does not begin, nor does it end, with the injection of high pressure fluids into the ground. Issues that need to be addressed include the construction of mining sites, the disposal of wastewater and chemicals and the impact on agricultural land.

"Geologists, engineers and scientists are all sufficient in their own area of study; however, none are aptly qualified to determine the impact that fracking can have on human and animal health. In other countries there have been several reports of a serious impact on human health by the process of fracking. These have ranged from skin and eye sores to respiratory problems. These reports have led to people seriously questioning the risk that fracking poses to them and to their families.

“The burden of proof is on the EPA to unquestionably prove that fracking is safe to use in Ireland. It is only when the Minister has access to the full information can he make a decision."

(CD/MH)