Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader arrange a debate on regional planning guidelines? I have asked for the debate on a number of occasions. We should have the debate immediately because a number of regional authorities have put their planning guidelines on display. This is the ideal Chamber in which to have the debate because of the relationship between the House and local authorities. The guidelines will have serious consequences for the regions and for local authorities when they adopt their development plans. Time is running out. In most cases, the regional authorities must adopt their plans by the end of March. It is essential that we have this debate after St. Patrick's week.