Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will make a general opening comment that has nothing to do with what the Minister just outlined. I am very disappointed by the turnout today, and that is obviously no criticism of the members who have turned up. This committee has a consistent problem of very low attendances, which reflects very poorly on the very serious issues with which we are dealing, and today is a matter in point. I have tabled a number of amendments to this Bill. The Bill is very important. While I am critical of it, it is a central element of the outworkings of the Mahon tribunal and an attempt to reform our planning system. The fact that only four members of the committee are present, as well as one Member who is not a member of the committee but who has taken the time and interest to be here, is very shocking. I just wanted to put that on the record.