Dan Boyle (Green Party)

I accept that, but the intention is to keep alive the Bill that the Senator has presented to the House or to force the Government to come up with a better alternative, and that is what we will seek to do.

Senator Bacik also asked about the protection of listed buildings, which ties in with the request from Senator Glynn for a debate on legislation and regulations as they apply to derelict buildings. I am aware that a comprehensive new planning and development Bill will come before the House early next year and I hope it will cover issues such as these and give Members of the House an opportunity to discuss how the system is operating.

Senator Buttimer suggested that we take heed of what is happening in the United States at present with a view to revamping our electoral systems. I know this is an issue in which the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will be very interested in responding to and we will invite him to the House to engage in a debate on the matter.

A request was made by Senators Butler and Phelan for debates on the economy and public finances. A commitment was given in the House that we will have regular debates, on a monthly basis, on the economy.