Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

——but it seems that in this area the planners have great influence and clout, and middle and top management seem unable to put in their oar. I cannot quite understand it, but I have found that constantly to be the case. I deal with many planning applications from sons or daughters of landowners. Why should they not want planning permission to build on the land of their own father or mother? It is the most basic thing that one could do. However, the hopes and aspirations of a couple who simply want a house for themselves and their future offspring on family land are never taken into account. The hurt occasioned to them when they are refused planning permission is extraordinary as it involves land owned by their parents. I always think that the "sterilisation" game must surely be open to constitutional challenge. If one owns one's land, why should one have to "sterilise" it? I currently have a substantial case for one house. The land has been "sterilised", and the manager is sticking to it.

Senator Ulick O'Connor wants the Minister to explain the guidelines. I apologise — I meant to say "Ulick Burke".