asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will outline the terms of reference and membership of the interdepartmental committee on nuclear power referred to by the Taoiseach on 3 July; when this committee were appointed and when their report is likely to be published; and the qualifications and experience of the members appointed.

The first meeting of the inter-departmental committee referred to by the Deputy was held on 12 March 1979 and five meetings have been held to date. The committee's broad terms of reference are to assess in detail all relevant aspects of the ESB's nuclear proposals. These terms of reference would include assessment from the environmental, energy and financial viewpoints and investigation of energy demand forecasts and alternative means of meeting this demand. I would hope to have the committee's report, which will be published, towards the end of this year. As I mentioned in my reply of 2 May 1979 to various questions relating to the ESB nuclear proposals, the committee are representative at senior level of relevant Government Departments.

Will the terms of reference of this interdepartmental committee and of the public inquiry circumvent the planning powers of Wexford County Council and of An Bord Pleanála?

They will not be circumventing them. They will make special provision for planning in relation to this proposal.

In the event of somebody not being satisfied with the findings of the interdepartmental committee or of the public inquiry, will some people have the right to object to An Bord Pleanála?

No, they can give evidence to the public inquiry, which will publish its findings.

After the findings have been published, can such a person still continue——

The question relates to the interdepartmental committee, not to the public inquiry.

In the event of a person being dissatisfied with what the interdepartmental committee publish, or in the event of somebody not being satisfied with the procedure——

That must be asked by way of a separate question. We cannot allow all of the matters that may arise. I have been generous with the Deputy.

Could the Minister indicate which Department or Departments provide specialist members to that interdepartmental committee examining, among other things, the environmental impact of the proposed nuclear power station?

Nearly all Departments have at least one representative. There are representatives from the Department of the Environment.

With respect, I appreciate that there are people from different Departments. My question relates to specialist personnel from those Departments.

I am not aware of who the Committee, as it were, are calling before them or from whom they are seeking information but I have no doubt that they are seeking it from appropriate experts in the relevant fields.

Can the Minister give a guarantee that none of the procedures he has mentioned will in any way diminish people's rights to appeal under the Planning Acts?

I announced several months ago in precise terms what provisions were being made in respect of this proposal and there has not been any change in the situation.

Would the Minister agree that any diminution of people's rights under the Planning Acts would require legislation?

Legislation is being introduced. I announced that four or five months ago.

11.