Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Unlike Deputy English, I would like an assurance that the applicant company selected will be totally independent. It is important that the Minister gives such an assurance. Can the Minister advise us that the selection criteria will include a restriction on those who were previously engaged by EirGrid, Northern Ireland Electricity or any other energy interest to examine other proposals? Can he assure us that they would be debarred from selection if their independence was compromised by a previous contractual arrangement? Can he advise when he will announce his selection? How long will the Minister take to go through the applications he has received? What will be the starting point for the 40 day period? Will it begin on the day of the announcement of his decision to grant responsibility to a certain company or group?

Can the Minister tell us the names of the applicants? I appreciate the sensitivity regarding the details of the tenders presented but is it not within the Minister's gift to advise the House of the names of the applicant companies, groups and individuals? This would let us know who is in the running for this responsibility.

Can the Minister indicate to the House that it is his intention to include in the briefing the terms of reference for this independent assessment of overhead, pylon-supported power lines as this approach is different to the underground approach to power lines? Can the Minister assure us that the assessment will not be confined to the cost of installation but will examine costs over the life expectancy, which, I understand, is some 40 years in each case? We should properly evaluate which approach gives the best return over its life expectancy.

See this speech in context