Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

We are legendary for our generosity.

We need assurance on this matter from the Minister of State. I need to know that I will be able to tell a county councillor the 80% provision is not applicable. If it were, it would be very wrong. If we were even remotely party to legislation that applied such a provision, we would be totally remiss in our duties towards the people we represent. It is incumbent on me to make this point. I want the Minister of State to offer assurance.

No planning permission application should fail, unless there are glaring reasons for its failure. Such reasons include health and safety. In the normal run of play the people are the greatest part of the environment. While this may not sound politically correct, wildlife should not come before people. Keeping people at home and happy and building good communities should be our ultimate ambitions. No social engineering that achieved the contrary would be prudent, nor would it be accepting of the indigenous nature of our people. I hope the Minister of State can reassure us on that score.