Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I second the amendment to the Order of Business. I ask the Leader for an urgent debate on the twin issues of co-location and the role of An Bord Pleanála in the planning process. I do so in light of the decision today by An Bord Pleanála to go against its own inspector's decision to refuse planning permission to the Beacon Medical Group in the context of the co-located hospital in the grounds of Cork University Hospital. It was a wrong decision and a grave insult to the people and to the residents of Wilton that this proposal was given permission to go ahead. It is about time we had transparency and openness regarding An Bord Pleanála. What is Government policy now regarding co-location given that the Minister, Deputy Martin, and his colleague, the Deputy Leader, Senator Boyle, both objected to the granting of planning permission for this hospital?