Joe O'Toole (Independent)

The request made by Senator Brian Hayes to have the issue of e-voting dealt with on an all-party basis is a very generous and reasonable one. This is an extraordinarily embarrassing situation for the Government and some of the Members of this House, who had no political interests in the issue, made the same request last year.

The issue of An Taisce's response to applications for planning permission has been frequently raised by Members on both sides of this House, including Senator MacSharry and others. There is a perfect example given in today's newspapers. Whatever one may say about Fintan O'Toole, nobody would argue that he is anything but democratic and caring with a strong commitment to the environment. I will not comment on the value of individual planning applications, I am merely presenting an example. Mr. O'Toole put forward an application for planning permission through a due and democratic process for open consideration. This application has been described by An Taisce as criminal. This illustrates the irresponsible attitude of An Taisce. Fintan O'Toole has supported An Taisce for many years.

This is a classic example of the extreme lack of moderation in An Taisce's responses and it also illustrates why democrats and environmentalists like Mr. O'Toole and others are appalled by the approach taken by this organisation time and again. It shows why ordinary people feel persecuted by An Taisce when they make reasonable applications in the interest of themselves and their families and why rural resettlement groups and other rural groups cannot cope with An Taisce's attitude. Describing a fair, honest and open application for planning permission, like that of Mr. O'Toole, as criminal reflects on an irresponsible group that needs to be taken to task. We do not need this kind of help in protecting our environment. I make no comment on the particulars of Mr. O'Toole's application, I know nothing about it, except that it was made through due process.