Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom aontú le mo chomhghleacaí, an Seanadóir Mullen, i dtaca leis an díospóireacht a bheidh ar siúl ag tús na seachtaine seo chugainn maidir le ceist na ginmhillte.

I refer to next week's debate. While people might have differing views on whether contributions are ten or 20 minutes, a compromise could be to set the upper limit at 20 minutes with Members who wish to speak for a shorter period doing so at their own choosing. The Dáil has 166 Members and each was given 20 minutes to contribute. Some Members spoke for a shorter period. We have only 60 Members and it would be fitting where Members have opinions on either side of the argument that they be allowed to speak for 20 minutes with Members wishing to make a shorter contribution having the freedom to do so. A Bill is being introduced and we all have various views, which I will not address now, as we will have an opportunity next week. Perhaps the Leader can consult the Government Chief Whip but I ask him to reflect on my proposal and accede to an upper limit of 20 minutes.

I refer to the Government's wind energy policy and the excellent Bill introduced by Senator John Kelly relating to set-back distances and the need to regulate the wind energy sector, particularly in the context of planning. Major issues have arisen in Cork, Donegal, the midlands, Tyrone and Fermanagh because of the lack of regulation. We need to implement an all-Ireland policy. If possible, could the Leader organise a debate before the end of the session with both the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government regarding whether the Government will accept Senator Kelly's Bill and progress it?