Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 13, lines 23 and 24, to delete "a vote of not less than two-thirds" and substitute "a majority".

I spoke at length on this on Second and Committee Stages. We in Fine Gael see no logical reason for changing the wording from a simple "majority" to a vote of "not less than two-thirds". Later in the Bill the Minister proposes to reduce the quorum required for An Bord Pleanála, based on the same principle. We feel that leads to a democratic deficit and the legislation as proposed by the Minister gives more power to the minority within local authorities. It should be retained as a simple majority and this is the reason for this amendment.