Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I support the call for a debate on planning, particularly in so far as it relates to rural development. I am glad to note that South Tipperary County Council has not adopted its county development plan, having refused on two occasions to do so, because of the issues relating to restrictions on new houses in rural areas. I understand several other counties are doing likewise. I have also notified the counties concerned of the existence of a body in Britain, to which I referred previously and which has a particular section dealing with planning matters in Ireland, which it does not regard as a foreign country. I regard the situation as a very worrying one, on which a debate in this House could focus.

I also refer to a matter I raised in the House two weeks ago – the reported possible closure of unit 88, the Irish language section of the Revenue Commissioners. As I mentioned on that occasion, it has been one of the bright lights in terms of recognition of this being a bilingual State. I am glad to report to the House that the closure will not now take place. There is also some better news in that I understand this particular service will now be extended to all the regional offices.

I add that I greatly welcome the opening of a beautiful new gaelscoil in Tullamore yesterday. That is another good sign for the status of the Irish language, about which all of us should have a positive feeling.