Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

Will the Leader to ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government about the proposed overview of planning in Cork city and County Cork? He should also examine the glaring inconsistencies as regards one-off houses and in planning policies in rural areas. I do not refer to developments in towns but to how families, sons, daughters, nephews and nieces, find it almost impossible to receive planning permission in rural areas, despite the effects of the recession.

We must give credit where it is due. I have been listening in the past few days to many people, including our backbenchers and Independent Members, on the success they have enjoyed with the Minister in resolving issues associated with the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill, of which I fell foul in this House on a point of principle. Credit should be given to Senators Coffey and Cummins of Fine Gael who batted on the issues involved and apparently agreement has now been reached. We will debate the Bill the week after next and accept what should have been accepted initially.