Brendan Ryan (Labour)

Much has been said about unfinished estates and it is widely acknowledged that they pose a major problem. The Minister of State contends that the power exists and that the problem lies in planning law enforcement but the problem does exist. He says that our amendment No. 18 is not necessary. What is the problem in putting the phrase we suggest into the Bill, even if an interpretation of the phrase "not in compliance with a previous permission" could include unfinished estates? Given that in so many cases it has not been used as it should be, why can the Minister of State not accept our amendment? This is a very important aspect of planning and is a daily problem for communities and residents of estates. It is so important that we ask the Minister of State to reconsider his view and accept this amendment.