Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

We have had good news in Monaghan in that some minerals have been discovered. When will the minerals development Bill be brought forward to consolidate legislation in this area? The second issue to which I refer is not so easy to address. More than 2,000 people attended a protest in Monaghan town last night regarding EirGrid. It is absolutely essential that a debate on this issue be held in the House. There are several ways this can be done, whether through Private Members' business or by bringing forward the electricity (transfer of transmission assets) Bill. We were told that the Minister has no responsibility for this issue, but the transfer has not taken place and the legislation has not been brought to the House. Who has responsibility and when will a debate be facilitated in the House?

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