Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2015
613. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will suspend the study commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency on the environmental impact of unconventional gas exploration and extraction, given the concerns raised in relation to the potential conflicts of interests of the lead consultants in the assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44078/15]
View answerI assume that the focus of the Deputy’s question is recent public comment relating to the role of the lead consultant in the multi-agency trans-boundary programme of research on the potential impacts on the environment and human health from Unconventional Gas Exploration and Extraction projects. This research programme is administered by the EPA and co-funded by the EPA, my Department and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, with oversight from a broad based Steering Committee that includes my Department.
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 Phillip 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 internationally CDM Smith has provided expert advice to oil companies involved in the development of unconventional gas resources. I should point out that CDM Smith has also provided advices to State bodies and regulatory agencies across its 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 a firm such as CDM Smith. The fact that disparate entities seek to draw on such expertise, is generally seen as an indicator of a company's recognised experience.
