Dáil debates

Thursday, 12 November 2009

National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009: From the Seanad

 

1:00 pm

Photo of Paul GogartyPaul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)

Further legislation will also be introduced. The new programme for Government will get rid of the situation where developers, bankers, speculators and trade unions can contribute to specific individuals and specific parties. I agree with Deputy Burton's comments about certain members of Fianna Fáil and other parties having their fingers in the till, being interested in speculation and supporting crony capitalism. Within six months, the incentive for supporting such crony capitalism will be gone and thanks be to God for that. Eventually, we may see proper planning for the sake of planning.

Without casting aspersions, once again Deputy Burton mentioned areas throughout the country where land is rezoned to 2083, one of which, as I mentioned in a contribution on Report Stage, is in Westmeath, home of the Mullingar accord. I am not trying to score points against the Labour Party. Rezoning happened throughout the country as councillors from various parties did not have regard to sustainable development. Including this section in the NAMA legislation will ensure that all future Governments in dealing with NAMA must have regard to Government policy. Unless a future Government changes the new planning Bill to be introduced and reintroduces corporate donations, we will have firm protection under the legislation. I hope that whoever is in government after this Government will maintain and enhance the provisions of the forthcoming planning legislation and the new systems to ensure that politicians and money are kept far away from each other. In that context, I can only welcome this amendment. I support it fully and credit where credit is due to Deputy Burton and her colleagues in the Labour Party.

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