Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I turn back to the North-South interconnector. As Mr. Foley and the Chair have indicated, it is a piece of infrastructure of critical importance. I have followed this since 2006, read every publication by EirGrid and engaged in numerous meetings with them. The assertion in Mr. Foley's opening statement that the engagement approach is underpinned by a real commitment to listening to all views is not the experience of people living alongside the North-South interconnector. I would go so far as to say that EirGrid's approach to the communities in that region has been driven by arrogance and a refusal to acknowledge that there are any valid concerns or alternatives to their own, despite the fact that the rationale outlined by Mr. Foley as to why this project cannot be undergrounded has changed on a number of occasions since the mid-2000s.

EirGrid has learned some of the lessons on the consultation and engagement process, and we see that in the outcome of the Kildare-Meath line and the consultation process there. The problem is that it has not learned it in the region of the North-South interconnector. Why is there a different approach to consultation and engagement for the North-South interconnector line than for other lines?

Second, is Mr. Foley aware of the 2007 independent expert group appointed by the then Minister? Is he aware that report described the undergrounding using DC technology as "a credible option"? Does Mr. Foley accept that statement or does he think the expert group was wrong? Its strongest argument against using underground technology was that it had not been used before to this extent. If we were to apply that logic, we would never implement or try new technologies.

The third question I have is in respect of the review announced by the Taoiseach into the North-South interconnector. Am I correct in reading from what Mr. Foley has said that his expectation is that the review will mean essentially nothing, he will carry on regardless and it is a box-ticking exercise? Does he think there is any potential that the review will lead to a change in tack by EirGrid?

Finally-----