Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I support the call for the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to come before the House. Every time he has been here, he has been anxious to engage in debate on rural issues and that is why many of those issues are now centre stage. Many aspects must be discussed, particularly the interaction of the agencies on the ground. People who want to have their livelihoods in rural areas must have the opportunity to stay there. CLÁR has proved itself worthwhile because it reaches areas where there are difficulties. I am sure the Minister would like to bring us up to date on progress in those areas and a debate would also give us the opportunity to make an input.

I also ask the Leader to arrange for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to come into the House as we approach the end of the two month period for submissions on the new guidelines on rural housing. An excellent debate has taken place with many submissions. There is an opportunity for us, without having to make direct submissions, which would not be correct, to respond to the guidelines and reflect on what we heard about them. It was a courageous step by the Minister to bring those guidelines forward. There is a partnership involved because even when the guidelines are implemented we must interact with local authorities and planners. It would be worth our while to discuss the structures involved.

There has not been any blanket criticism of An Taisce. People are entitled to comment on specific issues and if other people feel they are above criticism, particularly when they have statutory standing, they are acting in an undemocratic manner.