Johnny Brady (Meath, Fianna Fail)

——but it is an issue that is dear to my heart. He referred to four or five politicians being lobbied with regard to the building of one-off houses. It is sad when this happens. I am not afraid to say that I support the right of people who were born and bred in rural areas to be allowed to live there. I am sure every other rural Deputy who wants to see rural areas kept alive feels the same.

I do not apologise to anyone for fighting the case of young couples that find themselves in this situation. I am proud to be able to say that only for me, or some other politician — sometimes three or four can be involved — such young couples would not be living where they do, they would be obliged to live in towns. It is sad that when young couples obtain sites from relatives at no cost or at reduced rates, the planners place them in situations where they are obliged to pay €100,000 or €150,000 for such sites. That is most unfair. We should do everything possible for these people.

If our planners and officials used common sense, planning would not be in the state in which it is today.

See this speech in context