Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On 3 December last my party brought before the House a Private Members' motion calling for an international review of EirGrid's Grid25 proposals, particularly in the context of examining the alternative of running the relevant cables underground where appropriate. The Government used its majority to vote down the motion and responded by introducing an amendment to the effect that strategic infrastructure would be "developed and maintained in the national interest". The amendment in question contained no commitment to address the concerns of the communities on a number of the proposed routes. During the debate on the motion, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, repeated his mantra that Grid Link is a huge infrastructural investment programme. He is on record since then as stating that the latter cannot be changed "at the whim of some passing fashion". On his recent trip to the desert, the Taoiseach linked opposition to the project with emigration and people's concerns about employment.

Let us fast forward to 28 January and the U-turn performed by the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, which would have attracted a full ten marks on "Strictly Come Dancing", and the Taoiseach's announcement of the establishment of an external panel. We welcome that panel, the membership of which includes people of very high calibre and sound judgment. However, there are no international experts or experts who can advise on health matters on the panel. When he was asked about health concerns, the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, stated that there are none he can find. The Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, has, however, written to two other Ministers in order to express concern regarding the health risks posed by electromagnetic fields. He stated that, as a doctor and Minister for Health, he is worried about the health risks to which such fields might give rise and quoted various experts. In the correspondence he sent to the Ministers for the Environment, Community and Local Government and Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputies Hogan and Rabbitte, respectively, the Minister stated: "I recognise that this national infrastructure project is important but I can't ignore the health concerns." The panel established by the Government proposes to ignore those health concerns.

There is major confusion with regard to the status of this expert panel. Will it be reviewing the position in respect of the North-South interconnector project? Some Deputies indicated on "Morning Ireland" and on programmes on various local radio stations that they had discussed the matter with the Taoiseach last night and that it was indicated that the panel will be examining the project. However, the chief executive of EirGrid, Mr. Fintan Slye, indicated this morning that he intends to apply for planning permission so that the project might proceed. Will the Taoiseach clarify the position? The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, has indicated that the project will not be included in the panel's review. Is the Taoiseach in a position to outline the Government's thinking with regard to the health concerns relating to this projects? Does he plan to appoint a health expert to the panel?

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