Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept Senator Ó Céidigh's amendment to the Order of Business in terms of No. 18.

Senator Colm Burke mentioned the growth of Cork city and the needs to build viable apartments. As he said, the management of a growing economy with its expectations and demands needs to be met by both central and local government. Housing is the central issue that we must face in this term and the points made by him were well made.

Senators Gallagher and Wilson raised the issue of the bus service in Monaghan. I am afraid that I have not got the answers to that particular matter. If they choose to table a Commencement matter they might get the answer. I will invite the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to this House to discuss transport matters in the coming weeks.

Senators Warfield, Conway and Humphreys raised the issue of the plaza on College Green. I fully accept that the need for a plaza is self-evident. I regret the decision made by An Bord Pleanála and hope that Dublin City Council will resubmit a planning application. I believe that Bank of Ireland should have been asked to give the building back to the State in the fallout of the bank bailout but that did not happen.

Senator Wilson raised the issue of Killeshandra post office and the fact that the appeals process or mechanism for its re-opening has run its course, which is disappointing. I am happy to invite the new Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Bruton, to the House to discuss the issues of post offices. Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell made that request yesterday.

Senator Conway raised the issue of greenways and walkways. I am happy to have the Minister come to the House for that discussion. Equally, Senator Paddy Burke asked for the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to come to the House to discuss an issue.