John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

He was here on a different matter. He should attend the House to discuss the prisons issue.

I join with my colleague, Senator McHugh, in asking the Leader to arrange for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to come to the House to discuss his views on development charges. This is an important issue which has arisen in all local authorities. The Minister also went on the airwaves yesterday to announce his position but he has not come to the House to explain his position. He should do so as soon as possible.