Terry Brennan (Fine Gael)

I support the calls for a debate on planning issues. I wholeheartedly agree with Senator Mark Daly that there are people - I am aware of some in my constituency - who are merely seeking pay-back by objecting for the sake of it or even in the expectation that a planning applicant might offer them money to drop their objection. As the Senator observed, they do not necessarily live in the immediate vicinity of the site or property in respect of which the planning application has been lodged. Will the Leader agree to a debate on the implementation of decisions made by An Bord Pleanála? In some cases, it takes years for rulings to be executed. In my county, for example, a building constructed without planning permission is still intact after three and a half years, despite proceedings being issued by An Bord Pleanála for its removal. We must have a detailed debate in this House on all aspects of planning.