1120. Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to complete the enactment of the minerals development Bill in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21974/15]

The draft Minerals Development Bill was considered by Government today and approved for publication subject to such legal or technical amendments as may be agreed with the Attorney General. The purpose of the Bill is to make better provision for the prospecting for, and development, management and control of the mineral resources of the State. It does not deal with oil or gas.

I hope the Bill can be progressed through the Oireachtas during the remainder of this Dáil term and in the autumn.