Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Having a review every six years is important. The lesson from this is - I know that we will vote on this issue tonight - that no Taoiseach should ever go on a solo run and launch a plan without the Seanad and the Dáil knowing. Having respect for Senators and Deputies is more important. Everybody should know what is happening, but that did not happen this time in the case of the national planning framework. Senator Paudie Coffey should know that is why accountability was sought here because Senators and Deputies did not even know that it was being launched. Lessons have been learned. It does not matter who is in power - everybody should know. It is about accountability and letting Members of the Oireachtas know what is happening. That is why the issue was so crucial.

On having a review every six years, it is not possible for local authorities and staff to work on a new plan every year, but it is important that we make sure there is no city-urban divide. Development of urban areas is crucial. In my area of Carlow and other urban areas we need to make sure jobs and apprenticeships are created. We are lucky to have the new technological university in Carlow-Waterford, which is really welcome and a good development. These are all positives, but we must all work together to make sure urban areas receive their fair share of funding, as well as everywhere else.