Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would like to raise three issues. Teagasc's statement of strategy for the period 2017 to 2020 formed part of a briefing for Oireachtas Members today. The briefing was very informative. It is worth acknowledging the enormous support available, based on science, innovation and research in agriculture, forestry, horticulture and the food sector. What was particularly important about the briefing was how Teagasc shared what was happening in its food innovation hub.I wish to acknowledge, as Teagasc did this morning, the enormous support given by the Government to fund the food hub. That is positive news and news that we should share.

The next issue I wish to raise is not particularly good news for anyone who listened to "Morning Ireland" this morning. Yesterday, the official bed count showed that 524 people were either on trolleys and, where no trolleys were available, the people were in wheelchairs. The issue was discussed in great detail this morning on "Morning Ireland". I ask the Deputy Leader to raise the matter with the Minister for Health. Senator Ardagh mentioned the 'flu jab. The reality is we have no 'flu currently. We have no' flu epidemic or major illness. Our climate is pretty good for this time of the year so we have not seen a major demand placed on hospitals. Last night, however, 524 people across this country were on trolleys or, as confirmed on the news, in chairs awaiting beds. The situation is clearly unacceptable and is expected to worsen. I am afraid that we will have to talk about this issue time and again.

Finally, I want to raise the issue of fast-track planning. Last year, the Government referred to fast-track planning legislation in the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. We were assured, as part of this legislation, that people would have the capacity to lodge objections or observations on strategic planning applications with An Bord Pleanála. I spoke to officials in An Bord Pleanála this morning and it was confirmed that the board was not in a position to receive applications online for critical infrastructure applications or even for appeals anywhere in the country because, as I was told, no legislation has been put in place to give effect to the promise in the legislation. I ask the Deputy Leader to raise this matter with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government. The option is a very important element. The Minister gave a commitment to this House that critical technology would be put in place that would allow members of the public, and public representatives alike, to engage with An Bord Pleanála. Yet today the board has confirmed that it is not in a position, and cannot and will not accept submissions online. That is not good enough. The matter needs to be addressed.