John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I note that the Minister agrees with that point of view and that is important. It is unrealistic to expect that there would be a Chinese wall between the local authority and the Member of the Oireachtas. There should be free and easy access between them and it should be so for members of the public also. They should be entitled to as much access as a Member of the Oireachtas.

I ask the Minister to consider the right of access to officials. I leave it to the Minister's discretion whether there should be a statutory right to allow Members of the Oireachtas to have access to local officials such as planners. I have an open mind on the matter. I suggest that it may come within the scope of subsection (3)(e) which mentions "such other matters as the Minister may consider appropriate for the purposes of subsection (2)". I believe there should be some right of access to county council officials.