Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)

I refer to the minerals development Bill, the purpose of which, we are told, is to modernise and consolidate all mineral developments in the country. In view of the fact that Galmoy Mines has already closed and that the largest zinc ore mine in Europe, namely, Lisheen Mines in County Tipperary, is due to close in two years time, when will that Bill be introduced? Given that the Tánaiste's colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has made an unprecedented attack on agriculture, no doubt the hatchets and chainsaws will be out soon for the forestry sector.

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