Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I support the proposal made by Senator Brian Hayes who made three good points. I do not know whether the legislation is constitutional. As I am sure the Leader wishes to be helpful to the House, as she generally is, she might use her good offices to make the Attorney General's advice on this important matter available. Alternatively, the Minister could make it available to the House. Perhaps the Leader will comment on this. It is most important for the guidance of the House as there are genuine doubts on the matter.

There have been many calls in the past for a discussion on the important issue of planning. There is a huge lack of uniformity in planning and the various provisions of county development plans with regard to building on one's land, where one can build, building one off houses and who can own them, eligibility provisions and so forth. This lack of uniformity is bad practice and must be tackled by the Houses of the Oireachtas. I ask the Leader to arrange an early debate on the matter.