Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael)

I wish to raise an important issue, namely planning in rural Ireland. There is little activity currently in the building industry but at the same time a range of tests must be carried out by people who want to build in rural Ireland. These include percolation tests. It may be time for us to consider a regional approach for An Bord Pleanála, as people are objecting to activity in rural Ireland. Along the western seaboard we have seen in recent years people seeking and getting planning approval from local councils for wind farms but people are objecting to such projects. We discussed last week how this sector could see a range of job creation for young people. I ask for the relevant Minister to attend the House so we can have a debate on the matter.