Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I will communicate with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on this issue. It deserves legislative treatment. I agree with Senator Tuffy that a quick and simple solution rather than a court case is desirable. One does not need solicitors and barristers arguing about the height of bushes in people's gardens if it can be avoided. I am not saying there is anything wrong with solicitors or barristers but ordinary people cannot afford any more to go to court for relatively minor issues such as this. Some system of arbitration by a local authority may offer the best system. At least a local authority has a grasp of planning laws and the like. Giving the right in this legislation would only clog up the courts with arguments about the heights of bushes. The matter requires more reflection.