Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I am disappointed. What I am trying to do is to ensure physical exercise as a recreational activity is put on the same level as some of the other areas mentioned by the Minister of State, for example, broadband and car parking spaces. These are important provisions but they have been included in the Bill. I suggest that prevention is better than cure and if we want to promote a healthy lifestyle, it is important we send out the message that exercise and physical activity are good for people.

The Minister of State covers the issue by saying there is nothing to prevent local authorities from providing facilities or that the planning authority may provide them. I can understand the importance of specifying that they must provide watermains, but broadband and car parking are also considered important enough to be included in the Bill. However, when it comes to providing that we ensure there is somewhere where youngsters or adults can exercise to prevent obesity and ill health, it has been decided not to provide for that in the Bill. Instead, all that is provided is that the planning authority may make provisions.

I am disappointed but I hope the Minister of State will consider the amendment. I would prefer to see the amendment accepted in this House but the case has been made and has been supported strongly by a number of Senators, including Senators Ryan, Coffey, Mullen and Coghlan who have spoken eloquently on the issue, as did some Members on the Government side of the House on Committee Stage. I urge the Minister of State to consider the matter further. It is worthy of that. I will not push it to a vote now but hope the Minister of State will reconsider it between now and Committee Stage in the Dáil.