Pat O'Neill (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy extended by the Leader and previous speakers to the families of the young Irish students who were tragically killed in California this morning. As someone with a son on a J1 visa in California, it was especially shocking to hear the news.

I welcome the letter issued by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, to the four local authorities in Dublin. The letter should be circulated to all local authorities. Planning will be a major issue if we are to increase the number of homes. We have a housing crisis, with more than 3,500 people on the housing list in County Kilkenny alone. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on planning and request that the Minister organise a seminar on the issue. While I accept that each county has a development plan, planners may exercise discretion with regard to the types of once-off housing that can be built. A uniform approach to this issue is required and people's wishes should be taken into account. I would welcome a debate on these issues.

I understand the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has established a boundary commission to examine the possibility of moving part of south County Kilkenny into the Waterford constituency. It should keep its hands off south Kilkenny. I do not believe Henry Shefflin's sons will ever wear the Waterford colours. Waterford city attempted a land grab in south Kilkenny a few years ago. The boundary commission must consult all interested parties.

I welcome the announcement by the universities of Aberdeen and Harvard that chocolate is good for us. As a chocolate lover, I am delighted to hear that eating it can reduce stress and the incidence of heart disease.