Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)

It will not. In early March the Minister sent out draft proposals to the planning authorities which have until 31 April 2004 to reply. Before the end of May, the real proposals will go out but there will be no opportunity between then and 11 June to lodge an application and receive a decision. Of course we will find out after 11 June that it is only a stunt. Even if there is a difference in what is proposed, every county development plan will have to be amended to cater for it which would involve a six-month process. At that point, we will be safely over the local elections.

Perhaps this motion was premature. The real vote of confidence in the Minister will take place on 11 June in the local elections. The people will then have an opportunity to demonstrate their confidence in Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats. The people of Galway have realised that no matter what the Minister says about the planner in Clare misleading the councils there will be no change in any planning decision unless there is a change in the relevant county development plan. I have checked this with my local planning authority. A change to a county development plan cannot be achieved until the end of the year. By then, the Minister will be safely over the local and European elections. I warn the people of west Galway and every other rural area to be very careful on 11 June. They must not be taken in by the Government's deception. It is to warn them that I rise to support this motion. I am not one for putting down motions and I would sooner let the people judge confidence in the Minister.

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