Dáil debates

Wednesday, 16 December 2020

Planning and Development Bill 2020 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages

 

9:05 pm

Photo of Mattie McGrathMattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The amendment proposes to have public meetings and the Minister has set his face against it. He is talking about hybrids and whatever else. He should remember that I did not go to Germany and I did not go down to see J. P. McManus. We are lucky to have J.P. McManus. I am sticking to the amendment and the issues around it, which is about keeping the public engaged. Ní neart go cur le chéile. We have to keep them engaged with us.

I am very disappointed that the Minister will not accept our amendment and has set his face against accepting any amendments. He said we are complaining about having this debate so late and so close to Christmas. I am complaining about that. I would like to ask the Minister where all his own backbenchers are. Are they not interested at all in the planning process in Tipperary or any other county? Cá bhfuil siad go léir? Tá siad imithe. We are here to talk about the Bill and I am making the point that it is rushed. It happens year in and year out that legislation is rushed into the House on the last days of a term, with no pre-legislative scrutiny and no proper debate, which is what we need. I will be pressing our amendment.

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