610. Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has contacted the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources concerning the pre-legislative consideration of the minerals development Bill; when he is likely to refer the Bill to the committee for pre-legislative scrutiny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5628/15]

As reported to the Deputy on the 20th January I have asked the Joint Oireachtas Committee to consider the Minerals Development Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny in advance of its submission to Government for approval to publish. I understand that the Committee expects to be in a position shortly to decide whether it can proceed with pre-legislative scrutiny in this case in the context of its work programme for 2015 and I await the Chairman's response.