David Norris (Independent)

I would like to return to a question I raised yesterday on licensing laws, planning and so on. There should be a debate in the House on the matter which should include the question of planning. It is extremely disturbing to find out today that planning permission has been granted by An Bord Pleanála for some kind of visitor centre on top of the Cliffs of Moher. Apparently a hotel will be built at some stage. This type of thing was kicked out when it was tried north of the Border on the Giants Causeway. The way in which An Bord Pleanála currently operates is a cause for concern, therefore, there should be a full debate on planning matters.

I learned today that people will be restricted in certain areas of Galway, notably the Gaeltacht, in terms of being allowed to build houses. It seems that one must now be fluent in the Irish language. I am all in favour of the Irish language but that seems to be an extraordinary narrowing of views and damaging to the Irish language because it will create a reservation. Will inhabitants be provided with wigwams and totem poles?