Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Bacik for the question and for acknowledging the role the Minister, Deputy Ryan, has played as a leader of his party. I am very conscious that he intends to continue in office, and that is a matter for the soon-to-be new leader of the Green Party in due course, but also continuing to serve his constituents in the Deputy's own constituency until the next election. He is a politician of substance and impact and I know we all understand and respect his decision.

With regard to this very important issue around planning, I accept everybody has largely engaged in good faith on this. I do not believe the Bill has been rushed though. I genuinely do not. The Deputy has indicated what some of my response is going to be already so I will not say that, in the interests of saving time. This legislation has had massive and lengthy consideration, as it should, at the Oireachtas committee.

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