Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As regards the work schedule, will we be able to invite the Department to the committee? It is an important industry that needs support. I am disappointed to hear that state aid has been blocked by the State because of issues with licences. Something needs to be done to resolve that. If the industry can create more jobs and bring more people into the industry, then it should be entitled to get whatever grant aid is available, particularly when it is European grant aid. The industry should be able to get that. I hope we can bring the officials before the committee. Industry and the Department need to work together, but if they are not sitting down and talking, it cannot happen. However, I am glad to hear things are getting better over the past year.

My final question relates to objectors. I agree with Deputy Mac Lochlainn that people are entitled to object, but as with An Bord Pleanála and everything else, a time structure needs to be imposed on objections. It is not acceptable to have things drawn out for years. It is time the legislation changes to deal with it.