Sinn Féin is calling for the interim report on fracking to be made available to the Transport and Communications Committee.

Deputy Michael Colreavy, spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, said many people have continuing serious concerns that the scope of the research being done by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is not sufficient.

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Deputy Colreavy said: "Recent experience with the disastrous implantation of Irish Water clearly shows that it is vitally important that adequate time be given to carry out proper research and to listen to the views of not just the so-called experts, but also the wider population.

"I welcome Minister McHugh's statement that he personally is of the view that hydraulic fracturing would not be appropriate on a small island with such cultural heritage."

(CD/JP)