Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I object to the way in which the Government is ordering the business of the House. We have a set of five motions which were considered yesterday by the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, together with a proposal to extend the deadline for the consideration of the Thornton Hall proposal. It is often the case as we approach the end of a Dáil session that multiple motions are referred to committees. The latter are given only a short period to consider these motions, after which they are referred back to the House for approval. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform seems to be a serial offender in this regard.

I welcome the extension of the time limit for consideration of the Thornton Hall proposal. However, we must bear in mind that the House is effectively acting as the planning authority in respect of this project. As Deputy Rabbitte observed yesterday, a local authority would take two months to consider a planning application for a small development. However, the Government seeks to have it considered by the Oireachtas within a week. I do not propose to divide the House on the issue but this is no way to order the business of the House.

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