John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I join previous speakers in calling for a debate on planning, which I have requested on a number of occasions. Such a debate should concentrate on the inconsistencies between local authority planning officials, inspectors from An Bord Pleanála and the board itself. Planning decisions are turning the planning system into a lottery. Instead of playing six numbers, people are making six planning applications in the hope that one of them will be successful. We have been calling for a debate on planning since the Seanad was formed. We have now reached the stage where the issue must be debated. I urge the Leader to arrange this as soon as possible.