John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I join with colleagues in requesting the Minister for Transport to come into the House to discuss the transportation system and the chaos in which we now find ourselves. I refer to the derailment of the freight train in Cahir today. That should be discussed as it will have serious implications for rail transport in that part of the country.

I support Senator Coghlan's comments on the community employment schemes. During the summer we saw leaks from what is believed to be a report by top level civil servants about the possible abolition of an additional 5,000 places on community employment schemes. This was discussed a number of times before the summer recess and should be debated again, as it is an important issue which affects every community in the country.

Like Senator Minihan, I am confused by the planning situation. He expressed confusion about decisions which are reached by some planning authorities, whether they are local or national. I am confused by the pronouncements of the Taoiseach who should clarify his stance on planning. He was head of the Government that introduced the Planning and Development Act 2000, which restricted planning, and he said a few weeks ago that he wants access to planning in rural areas freed up.