Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

Is mian liom fáilte a chur roimh an díospóireacht a bheidh ar súil tráthnóna. Níl a lán ama againn ach beidh seans againn oráid a dhéanamh.

Like Senator Butler, I also seek a review of the national development plan and wish to see job creation schemes put first. However, it is important not to simply end up with a series of white elephants and to avoid going down the famine road. We must ensure that any changes to the NDP are cost-effective, as well as putting employment-generating schemes first. I look forward to a debate in these Chambers on the subject of a review of the NDP.

I wish to pick up on a point made by other Members pertaining to reconsidering our planning and development Acts. Like Senator Quinn, I am concerned that many young people have nowhere to go in our towns and villages and are constantly moved on and criminalised by machines such as the mosquito device. I will not go down the Barry Manilow route, as I happen to believe he produced some good music. The song, "Mandy" was one of my favourites, as was "Copacabana".