Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the decision by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, to carry out an independent feasibility study of the proposed interconnector between Northern Ireland and the Republic and, in particular, the area from Woodland in County Meath to Kingscourt in County Cavan, on into counties Monaghan and Tyrone. I would ask that the terms of reference of this independent feasibility study be published as soon as possible and that we take into consideration not only the economic consequences of putting this cable underground, but also the health and environmental consequences of putting it above ground.