Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I referred to this issue on Committee Stage. It is ludicrous to seek a two thirds majority when a simple majority is required currently. This provision will give a small rump on a council significant authority and this should not be allowed. A small number of people could block or promote a development. A simple majority is more than sufficient. It has served us well up to now and I cannot see the reason for requiring a two thirds majority other than it might appease the Minister, his colleagues in the Green Party and like minded people who might acquire one third of the votes to block development. I am surprised Government colleagues are going along with this. I hope the Minister of State, following the deliberations he said he would undertake following Committee Stage, will shoot this duck in the water and accept the amendment.