Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I wish to be associated with the remarks of all speakers regarding the release from captivity of Ingrid Betancourt. I agree with the sentiments expressed.

This morning we learned of the European Court of Justice ruling on the Derrybrien incident of a few years ago. This concerned environmental impact assessments and the fact that one was not conducted in that instance. It seems that the judgment, the detail of which we await, criticises Ireland's practice. This has serious consequences for planning and I would like to hear the views of the Leader on the subject.

In this time of recession, we are over-regulated in this country. We need rationalisation of regulators. This would provide for better regulation. The administrative burden of regulation is huge. We should set about reducing it. Every Department should be required to conduct an efficiency audit. Members regularly talk about the paper mountain and the number of reports we receive without requesting them. People think they are doing well with that but we can effect a major cost reduction across the board with this exercise. The Government should urgently examine this and perhaps we could have a debate on regulators and regulation.