Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The Senator and I discussed this the last day. In a sense it is a contradictory position that he now wants me to force another provision on local authorities rather than leave the decision to them. The Senator knows very well that the waiver system has worked for many years. I am not proposing to undermine the position as it exists. It would be wrong of me to take the action the Senator wants in the context of this Bill. It is important that the system of waivers operates in an unfettered way. The decision is taken locally and it should remain so. I will not accept this amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.