Batt O'Keeffe (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I reiterate that the Bill does not contain provisions relating to the Derelict Sites Act. There is no reason to make provision in this regard because local authorities are provided with adequate powers under that Act. I take Senator Bannon's point that we should perhaps bring to the attention of local authorities the fact that they should use the provisions of the Derelict Sites Act much more than they do at present. The Bill before the House will help to enhance the business areas to which the Senator refers. In conjunction with the partnership approach embodied in the Bill, this can only augur well for town centres and the business communities that become involved in bid proposals.