I call for an urgent debate to be arranged on the independent commission on electricity transmission, headed by Mrs. Justice Catherine McGuinness as chairperson. The commission was tasked with looking at Grid West and Grid Link in terms of an underground solution. I believe an underground proposal for the west of Ireland route was made subsequent to the setting up of the commission. We have heard today that the commission has washed its hands of the North-South electricity transmission route. It has been thrown out. Unfortunately, that is what we expected, because this was done in the heat of an election, and, as we all know, that is what Pat Rabbitte tends to do during an election.

The Minister, Deputy Rabbitte.

That is what he tends to do during elections. It is the second time this has happened in north Meath. The issue of wind turbines was treated in exactly the same manner. One thing is said before an election but there is a different scenario post-election. This is a really serious issue. The people of the north east have been treated with disdain and contempt and are now effectively second-class citizens. I refer to the people in Cavan, Monaghan and parts of south Meath and west of Navan who are affected by this major imposition on their lives.

We need a full debate on why certain counties are getting overhead lines and other counties, such as those where the Taoiseach lives and counties where a by-election is due in the coming weeks, are getting underground lines. I want an answer to that question and the Seanad is a good forum for a full debate. We need equality of treatment for people in this country.