Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In the context of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Bill, will the Tánaiste give consideration to allocating time to discuss proposed legislation on foot of the Private Members' Bill by Deputy Troy and by Sinn Féin on one authority for the Shannon region and jurisdiction over its maintenance, and also a Bill produced by Deputy Michael McGrath seeking mandatory insurance for those whom reside where flood defences have been put in place? The Minister of State, Deputy Harris, has stated that the Government has not ruled out the possibility of one authority. If there was heads of Bills produced, maybe it could be debated and there could be agreement amongst all parties on an authority that would receive the full support of the House. Those three issues are intertwined, as the Tánaiste will be well aware. In light of the time that remains, would the Tánaiste make an effort to single out specific time for elaboration on those areas in order for a more informed decision to be made ultimately by Government that would benefit all concerned?

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