Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

A second issue relates to planning in rural areas which has been raised by Senator O'Donovan. It is important to have a debate if there are issues to be discussed. It is not a matter of taking shots at An Taisce or anyone else. I do not believe any fair-minded person wants to see the countryside destroyed in any way, but on the other hand, there are a lot of questions to be answered and we get those on the ground. For instance, I have seen several cases where a family member could not build a house on their own land. One must bear in mind that would mean a young couple would have their children close to their grandparents. It is a big social issue. I have seen too many cases where permission has not been granted. In many of those cases An Taisce has had an involvement. I do not wish to take from the good work it does. It is a very important body and it must remain in existence. In this day and age it must also be answerable for any stance it takes. I find it difficult to get any response from An Taisce on the issues I have mentioned. I hope the House can play a role in some way either by asking An Taisce to come and discuss the issues with us or by giving us an opportunity to bring it in to provide information. We are entitled to freedom of information in such cases.