Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

There are references to implementing commitments in the programme for Government and updating legislation in line with proposals for delivering better Government. As the latter is unlikely, what is the status of the Minerals Development Bill? I also inquire about the legislation to restructure Bord Gáis Éireann with particular reference to the submission made to the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources yesterday by people from Mayo and the general north-west area on the need to benefit from the infrastructure in their area.

As the electricity charges paid by the industrial sector in this country are the highest in Europe and are causing serious cost problems, when is the proposed electricity Bill, which may give an indication of the Government's sincerity, likely to be introduced? Oil prices internationally are on a downward spiral, so when will the national oil reserves agency Bill be introduced? We could have a debate on various contributing factors and how best to use the resources to our advantage.

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