Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I reject totally the suggestion that I am treating this House with contempt as Senator Coffey indicates. I have given the view of Parliamentary Counsel on three of the four amendments with which we are dealing. That is a fair achievement since last Wednesday. Any changes or amendments made in the Dáil will have to come back to this House because the Bill originated here.

In response to Senator Ryan I acknowledge the concerns of Senators about unfinished estates and planning enforcement. My Department will consider again whether enforcement provisions of the Act require amendment in order to further strengthen the requirements of the planning authorities. If appropriate I will bring forward an amendment on Committee Stage in the Dáil. Any such amendment will be open to debate at a further Report Stage in the Seanad. I thank the Senators for their contributions.

If there is a deficiency in bonds in some local authorities they are not following the guidelines that my Department issued in 2008. The local authorities have a responsibility to ensure they are implemented. They are sent out as guidelines from the Department and the bonds are supposed to cover all the areas I mention. I am prepared to consider this in respect of unfinished estates. I appreciate the points being made. Senator Ryan made a strong case about this on Committee Stage. I am prepared to take further advice on it if we need to strengthen the requirements of the local authorities in regard to the enforcement provisions of the Act.