I welcome the Government’s announcement today that it will set up an independent commission to assess whether the electricity transmission system will consist of pylons or undergrounding. It is to be welcomed because, as we know, communities across the country are mobilising against EirGrid and its plans. It is important this independent commission gets to the truth and involves all stakeholders.

This includes the people affected by pylons and those whose lands and dwellings have been devalued. It is a welcome move. It is time it was done and EirGrid's plans were halted until we see the outcome of the investigation.

I join Senator Ivana Bacik in commending those who held the event in the Seanad Chamber today to commemorate the anniversary of the 1918 general election. I look forward to the day when we have a similar result. The Leader might know Waterford was the only constituency in 1918 which did not return a Sinn Féin Deputy. I hope to rectify this in the near future.

The Senator will change it - no better man.

He can keep it for another while.

It is a work in progress.

The Senator should not frighten the Leader.