Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to share time with Deputies Paul Connaughton and Joe Carey.

I thank Deputy Catherine Murphy for bringing forward this Private Members' Bill, which contains many interesting proposals pertaining to planning, and which are intended to improve transparency and consumer confidence in the planning system. The Government and I subscribe to these principles and, accordingly, the Bill is not being opposed on Second Stage.

I am surprised at the reaction of Deputies Mick Wallace and Thomas P. Broughan when I seek to improve the building regulations. They should know better than anyone the poor quality of our regulations. They are taking the side of the professional classes that have abdicated responsibility.

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