Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

The legislative famine we have endured since the last general election is catching up with us and we have had examples of how it is impacting on the lives of people. My colleague, Deputy O'Sullivan, raised it in respect of the fair deal, Deputy Lynch raised it in respect of social housing and so on.

Is the Taoiseach aware that a matter referred to committee last week, which is, essentially, a planning application for the new prison at Thornton Hall, is being considered by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights and is required to be returned to the House by tomorrow evening? If one was building a conservatory at the back of one's house the local authority would make one wait two months or more before giving approval. It is not possible to operate a committee system where Departments, in this case the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, which is the only Department to produce legislation since last June, expect matters to be turned around in 24 hours. We cannot operate a committee system where Departments dictate the agenda. Is the Taoiseach prepared to agree to an extension on this matter? We can discharge our function by examining the planning application and returning to this House one week after we resume after the Lisbon agenda.

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