Mr. John O'Connor:

Deputy Phelan has raised a number of questions. If EirGrid personnel responded to questions from people by saying, "You wouldn't understand that", I would have great difficulty with such a response and I do not regard it as an appropriate response to a serious observation or consultation. If I take up the position I will certainly try to ensure that it is not repeated and that we have a more understanding and sympathetic approach to people who go to the trouble of making submissions and communicating in the consultation process.

I certainly would not rule out having an independent study of undergrounding. This issue has been raised quite forcibly in the context of the consultation period and EirGrid must respond to that. It is quite possible that one of the responses will be something along the lines Deputy Phelan mentioned.