Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Norris mentioned the planning laws and the development that has been allowed by An Bord Pleanála on the Cliffs of Moher. Senators Norris and Cox raised the issue of housing in Gaeltacht areas. Senator Ormonde asked for a general debate on An Bord Pleanála outside the context of any particular Bill. She has made similar strong requests in the past. I will endeavour to get the Minister, Deputy Cullen, to come to the House in the new year to discuss these matters.

I agree that the County Galway development plan, to which Senator Cox referred, is a national issue. Are we to treat people as if they are in an encampment or a reservation by telling them that they can live in one place and not in another? My personal opinion, in case people in Galway start to write to me, is that it would be wrong to do so. Senator Cox was right to say that we should have a debate on the matter.

Senator Quinn said that we should not adhere slavishly to European laws, particularly the law on animal vaccination. He argued that we should decide our policy on such issues for ourselves. He said that the much-vaunted principle of subsidiarity, which is sometimes not followed, should be used in this instance.

Order of Business agreed to.