Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

In the circumstances, I call for a debate on the ninth progress report on private property produced by the All-Party Committee on the Constitution chaired by Senator O'Donovan. It would be appropriate to discuss this at this time, the 100th anniversary of the death of Michael Davitt and 160 years since his birth in Straide, County Mayo. This important report deals with private property and its use. I ask that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government come to the House to outline what progress has been made on the implementation of the report. The Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill, which arose from the report, is now progressing through the Houses. That is good, but the question of the use and cost of private property and housing should be addressed in the context of the ninth report. I understand a constitutional amendment will not be required.

The "Prime Time" programme of 29 May referred to a legal shambles. As long as solicitors are allowed to police themselves the public will suffer. I take exception to a document I received from the Law Society with regard to my Private Members' Bill, the Registration of Wills Bill 2005. The document stated that the Society is concerned that my Bill may become law. The Bill will introduce restrictions on the abuse of the system operated by solicitors with the support of the Law Society. The society is trying to impede the work of the Oireachtas by opposing the Bill on a number of grounds, including its practical implementation.