Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I know what he will do but the fact is, and just for the record of the House, it is listed in alphabetical order. Let us not try to spin it in any other way. I am just saying that that is what it is. I am sure Deputy Matthews will absolutely confirm that, generally speaking, this is how they are listed.

I would not underestimate the significance of the inclusion of community gardens in this very significant legislation, which is once-in-a-generation legislation we can build on. I commend Deputy Ó Cathasaigh on this and on the engagement he has had with me and my officials. All of us have seen across the country, in urban and rural areas, the benefits of community gardens. Deputy Ó Snodaigh spoke of his mom tending allotments, as did my folks in Crumlin, and everyone had a patch out their back garden and they grew all their own vegetables. They did all that and it was a part of housing developments such as those in Iveagh Gardens. My dad now at 88 years of age has an allotment in the community garden between Malahide and Swords. The point being made by Deputy O'Callaghan and others is that these are a lot more than just gardens. They really do knit communities together because they are of all ages. It is a superb allotment and community garden on the Swords Road between Malahide and Swords. I believe it is the largest one in Fingal. This speaks to one point made by Deputy O'Callaghan. This is not Fingal County Council-owned land. I get it with regard to the definition and that we must get that further. In this instance Fingal County Council are actually involved in that but they do not own the land. It is being leased at a small amount and there is charitable status within it.

I would turn now to the transport piece but I thought I had more than two minutes. I ask the Leas-Cheann Comhairle to indulge me on an important point around the transport infrastructure piece on Schedule 1. We will look at that but we have to make sure it is consistent and that Schedule 1 is not contrary to any other transport Acts. Right now cyclists are classed as road traffic. I do take the points.

I commend Deputy Ó Cathasaigh in particular on the issue of community gardens. This is very important because these are important parts of community infrastructure. We can build on that.

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