The Minister for Communications, Clime Action and the Environment says there is no agenda on the part of the government to pursue Fracking.
Denis Naughten made the comments after a bill to ban fracking in Ireland received cross party support in the dail chamber yesterday evening.
The private members motion was brought forward by Sligo/Leitrim Fine Gael TD Tony McLoughlin on health and environmental grounds.
The government had intended to include an amendment to the bill which would see it deferred to next summer but this was withdrawn yesterday following criticism from Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein.
The Environmental Protection Agency are carrying out a report on the impact of fracking in Ireland.
Yesterday’s decision means the bill has passed the first stage in the dail and now moves on to the committee stage.
Minister Naughten said the government’s primary aim is to give proper consideration to the issue.
