Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I respect the view of the Minister of State but cannot agree with him. Handing over these powers to An Bord Pleanála is a negation of democracy. If the Minister has responsibility for decisions, the elected representatives of the people can debate them in the Houses. Handing over the powers to a body that made dubious decisions in the past according to many local authorities is not the approach we should be taking. The Minister should accept the responsibilities he has and not transfer them to An Bord Pleanála.

This matter was raised by quite a number of Senators on Second Stage, especially Senator Ellis. There was strong support from the other side of the House for the view that the responsibilities should not be transferred. I hope Members on the Government side will vote in accordance with what they were saying on Second Stage. Senator O'Donovan was not present at the beginning of Second Stage for the reasons he outlined. We are sticking to our guns in opposing this section and if we must put it to a vote, we will do so.