Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, back to the House. It is good to see him here paying attention to what we are doing. I welcome the publication of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, 2002 and commend the Government on the manner in which it has dealt with the unsatisfactory situation of prescribed solutions which are more applicable to larger conurbations and do not work in less developed and more rural communities such as my own. The Bill recognises this fact.

Social and affordable housing is a priority of the Government and the alternative methods included in the Bill will enable the situation to advance rapidly. The unsatisfactory situation that has prevailed up to now is being removed and the building industry can get on with the business of building much needed houses. Many of the alternative solutions included in the Bill were proposed in a debate in my county, Cavan, and the outcome is a sensible and workable mix.