Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

We flagged at a very early stage the need to ensure the wording was clear and that, as with the planning process, a specific timeframe was laid down. The Houses can either produce legislation which is understandable and which works or we can produce that which causes great confusion among those - planners or members of the general public applying for planning permission - who will use it on a daily basis. This is a basic omission. There should be clarity. We propose a timeframe of seven days but remain open to suggestions from the Minister of State in this regard.

Members of the House are again proposing genuine amendments designed to try to improve the legislation. However, all we are hearing in reply is that it may possible to amend the Bill when it goes to the Dáil. The Seanad is a separate House of Parliament and Members would appreciate it if Government amendments could be introduced here. After all, the omission in respect of a timeframe was, in the first instance, raised in this House.