Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)

I had better address the comments on why certain Members were not present last night. I can only answer for myself. It is unusual that I would not be in attendance, but something unusual occurred. Something was signed into law behind our backs yesterday and I spent the whole of the evening dealing with the reality. I am referring to the habitats and wildlife regulation, which signals another nail in the coffin of rural Ireland. Perhaps I should have forgotten about it and come to the Chamber, but I did not have the time. We were surprised because no one told us about the regulation. Then again, why should we have a right to know? We heard about it second-hand from the media, but that is nothing new.

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