Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

I refer to sites of historical importance, including the sites of national monuments. We have a duty to move forward in an understanding manner.

The Carrickmines project was taken to the courts. The courts uphold the laws passed by us. The court made its decision on the basis of outdated precedents and laws. The Government is trying to introduce legislation and debate it in a positive manner.

Deputy Eamon Ryan referred to democratic accountability. It has been decided the Minister will make decisions. The current Minister is democratically elected but the Deputy has castigated him for giving the Minister of the day the necessary powers. The Deputy gives out about the National Roads Authority and other bodies but the minute the Government made provision for decisions to be made by a Minister who is democratically accountable to the people, he complained. We must have a fair and rational debate and the Deputy cannot cherry pick issues to suit his agenda.

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