TWO MLAs from outside of Fermanagh South Tyrone brought the issue of fracking in Fermanagh to the Assembly on Monday, September 14.

West Belfast People before Profit MLA, Gerry Carroll, brought the issue of fracking in Fermanagh to the Assembly chamber at Stormont as he questioned Economy Minister Diane Dodds on the issue.

The Economy Minister replied at length, and said: “We are doing some research on the overall topic. Be assured: this is a controversial and cross-cutting issue.

"It will be a matter on which every Executive party will give a view.

"Therefore, when the time comes, whatever the recommendations from the Department may be, they will go to the whole Executive for a decision.”

Mr. Carroll used his right of reply and said: “I respectfully disagree, Minister. I do not think that fracking is controversial. It is crazy, and it is dangerous to the environment. That has been proven by multiple people.”

The issue of fracking was again raised by North Down Green Party MLA, Rachel Wood, who questioned the Minister on the health impact assessment of the cumulative impacts of the full development of the Fermanagh shale basin.

Mrs. Dodds said: “We are, as you know, doing research into the wider impacts. Health will be part of that research, and I look forward to sharing the research.”

Miss Wood asked a further supplementary question on the adverse affects of fracking on health, saying “there is evidence in scientific literature to demonstrate how effective measures can mitigate the risks to reduce them to an acceptable level. Can the Minister outline how fracking can be regulated for with limited impact on public health?”

Mrs. Dodds replied: “We have no intentions for regulation in that direction at this time.”