Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senator Brian Hayes and the other speakers who asked for a debate on the North and on An Post. I am pleased that both Governments will today publish details of the deal which is on offer and which hopefully will be done today, but if not today, on some other day. I suggest that they get on with it. I support Senator Dardis's request that the Leader arrange a debate on this matter next week.

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the retail planning guidelines which are in the news because of IKEA. The Government postponed a decision yesterday and it was wise to do so. The giant nature of this proposal is causing concern in a country of our size and population and for the potential adverse impact on the roads network. Even if the M50 was increased to eight lanes, it still would not suffice. This is a serious matter for the country in general, for towns, for villages and for rural Ireland. A debate on the matter would be helpful. It would be good for the Minister and the Government to hear the views of the Members on all sides before any final decision is taken.