Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

We will have an opportunity to discuss the Lisbon treaty next week. Perhaps we could discuss its positive aspects, including the enhanced co-operation of national parliaments. The public will understand very clearly the key role of national parliaments in the decision making process. I ask the Leader to facilitate that debate next week in order to clearly reinforce those points.

I would also like a debate on planning with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government put on the agenda at some future date. Perhaps planning legislation should be revisited, particularly the relationship between An Bord Pleanála and planners. The whole process must be reviewed because the public is uneasy about how rural life is developing, the role of An Bord Pleanála with regard to one-off housing and the role of the planners in the process.

I would like the Leader to put the matter on the agenda at some later stage in order that we can have a full discussion.