Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Last March the House passed Second Stage of a Private Members' Bill, the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, in my name, addressing the problem of unfinished housing estates. The House decided to refer Committee Stage to the Select Committee on Environment and Local Government. I have been endeavouring to have Committee Stage taken in that committee but I am now informed that the Department will not be ready until some time next year. Will the Tánaiste intervene with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to facilitate the early taking of Committee Stage of that important Bill?

On a related matter, when does the Government intend to introduce the legislation that will be required to abolish the charges made for making planning observations on planning applications?

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