Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

The Leader is aware there have been many calls for a debate in this House on planning and she is well disposed towards facilitating this. That it has not happened yet is not the fault of anybody here. There is major concern about the role of An Bord Pleanála and the glaring inconsistencies in the system. We get split decisions of the board, 3:2 votes, on major matters. It seems to rule one way in Offaly and another in Donegal and overrules inspectors' reports by the new time. That is allowed for in law. While I am sure it is open and transparent, we should ensure that we can read the reasoning behind a 3:2 vote because there is public confusion. There are many other difficulties with planning throughout local authorities. I repeat the call for a debate and am sure the Leader will oblige us as soon as she can.

I agree with Senators Ryan and Brian Hayes and support the call, which was also made yesterday, for a debate on stem cell and embryo research. Three committees of the Houses, the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business, the Joint Committee on European Affairs and the Joint Committee on Health and Children, are dealing with different aspects of this subject. It would be useful if the Houses could debate the matter.