Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

There is something extraordinary about it. When planners get up every day, it is as if they decide how many applications they will refuse that day. They then get on with their business, which affects people in rural areas. It is awful that they take no account of people's day-to-day housing needs. They do not approve plans for balconies and conservatories, for example. However, their own houses are always in beautiful locations, overlooking lakes or surrounded by verdant corners of rural land.

Senator Jim Walsh supported the call made by Senator Ross for a balanced debate on employment. He also supported Senator Cox's call for a debate on sentencing, as we all do.

Senator Mooney called for a debate on road safety. He also spoke about an issue raised today by Senator Leyden and yesterday by Senator Moylan. The Senators have helped to highlight the despicable behaviour of a particular supermarket. It has been suggested a promotion was organised on the basis that Irish people, particularly young people, wanted to drink on St. Patrick's weekend and that the company in question decided to send them all out hopelessly and irresponsibly drunk. An appalling lack of judgment was shown by the particular supermarket. I hope it feels the pain as a result of what people are saying about its actions.