James Breen (Clare, Independent)

Mr. Fergus Finlay, in an article in the Irish Examiner in February 2004, wrote that "If Ireland were in Africa, we'd send observers to help build democracy". Ironically it was the revelations of his former co-presenter on RTE television, Mr. Frank Dunlop, that prompted him to write the article. By then, the culture of payments for votes had so enveloped politics that any allegation made was believed to have substance. It has continued thus, with the same Mr. Dunlop alleging what he wishes against deceased members of council authorities and no one can emphatically contradict him.

It does nothing for the reputation of this House to have to debate the quality of current and former Members and family dynasties. No one takes enjoyment in the continual revelations and subsequent tarnishing of the Cosgrave and Haughey names. Equally as bad in recent weeks has been the trail of councillor after councillor and Minister after Minister trying to explain to the tribunal how they had forgotten or failed to recall donations received in planning and rezoning applications. We should not be too concerned about bird flu gripping this country as it would appear that a bird brain strain has already taken root where any form of detail regarding money is suddenly forgotten.

The failure of successive Governments to implement the 1974 Kenny report and this Government's failure to implement the recommendations of the All Party Committee on the Constitution on property rights has allowed corruption in the planning process to become the norm. Some improvements have been made, starting with the introduction in 1995 of the Ethics in Public Office Act and continuing with the refinement and enhancing of that legislation. However, it is not enough. For Ministers to brush away details of payments as oversights on their behalf is simply not good enough. Neither does it matter how they voted on individual zoning applications. It would be much better if they could say that they refused the payments and that is what this motion proposes, namely, that all donations from developers be refused lest they be seen as buying any form of influence.

At the root of these payments was an attempt to get lands rezoned and secure planning for massive developments which were nothing more than a licence for the type of urban sprawl which has contributed to so much of the anti-social behaviour in society today. No more should we allow the development of projects that do not include proper social facilities, greenfield areas, schools and a transport infrastructure that ensures the continual growth and development of community and social life. It is time for this Government to embrace the theme of social and affordable housing which it has promised for years. It is time for us individually and collectively to put this House back in the news and into people's lives for all the right reasons.

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