Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Or I might shrink. It is very clear the Minister, Deputy Coveney, is committed to the Bill and has been for a long time. There has been much debate in the House at various Stages and there was a lengthy discussion on it on Committee Stage. There has been lots of feedback and sharing of data and information with our officials and a lot of toing and froing. Nobody can complain they have not had proper access and discussion on the Bill. There is a full commitment by the Minister, Deputy Coveney, and the Department to get this right. There has been ample consultation. There are some issues with the Bill at which we are still prepared to take another look at in the Seanad. It is not over yet. It would be wrong of people to try a different spirit. There was a really good attempt to work together on the Bill, and that has happened. I would rather if people did not say just because the Minister is missing for an hour or two that there is some inference in it. He hopes to join the discussion at some stage. It is just one of those days when the diary takes over. He will be in at some stage, all going well. It is not that he wants to dodge the issues. He is very front and centre when it comes to planning and housing. Other Ministers might be happy to dodge or hide-----

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