John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I too wish to join with previous speakers in calling for a debate on the issue of planning which has been requested by a number of Senators over the past 18 months. Week after week there are examples of why such a debate is justified. I agree with the comments made by Senator Coghlan but the crucial point is the discrepancy in the planning system. A planning authority grants or refuses a permission which is upheld by the inspectorate and is in turn overturned by the board, sometimes on the whim of three or four objections made to An Bord Pleanála. A better system is required and we need to return to the principle of the common good. I hope the Leader can facilitate a debate in this term.

On the matter of waste management, I think we have learned one thing today and we need a debate on the matter if for no other reason than to clarify and explain it to members of the Opposition because obviously they are at loggerheads among themselves as to their strategy. A debate would be a useful exercise.

I am one of the people who has raised questions both inside and outside this House about the activities of Sinn Féin and the funding of political parties and I recently called for an examination of this issue by the CAB. I remind Senator Finucane that it is imperative to maintain the independence of the CAB. We cannot have a situation where a Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform can issue directions to the CAB. We must respect the fact that it is an independent body.