Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

Regarding the procurement of sites, I agree that more joined-up thinking is needed. The Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Mary Hanafin, may have recognised that there should be better co-operation between local authorities, the planning section of the Department of Education and Science and the health agency. The new office for integration represents a great step forward in acknowledging the problems in fast growing areas.

I do not agree with the suggestion that we need a new national convention to debate this issue because this country is turning into a talking shop due to the preponderance of committees. The necessary structures are already in place in every local authority.