I wish to ask the Tánaiste about the minerals development Bill to modernise and consolidate all mineral development legislation. Will the Government consider appointing a specialist mining engineer who would adequately oversee the closure of mines, particularly the Lisheen Mine in County Tipperary, which is about to close? Sources within the mining industry tell me that what is happening underground is disgraceful and that we have not learned from the closure of Galmoy Mine.

I know that a great deal of work has been done on the minerals development Bill and I anticipate that it will come before the House later in this session.