Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

They are expecting us to deliver. The Minister of State has this opportunity. The power is in his hands, it is not in the hands of those in the public service, no disrespect to them, nor is it in the power of the mandarins down in the Custom House. It is within the gift of the Minister of State on behalf of the Government. He has the responsibility. Let us make a decision here today that we will put this into primary legislation and that it will not be removed until it comes back into both Houses of the Oireachtas to be removed. It is a good case. Councillors throughout the country are listening to these proceedings. They are interested, they are watching and they expect this. In light of the circular that was issued to them advising them they could not even discuss planning applications, that did not help the Minister of State's cause. He should do this. I respect him and I like him, as do the councillors. I am going to call a vote on my amendment because it is the right thing to do and I am confident we will be successful.