Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Reference was made to the strategic planning process. The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government has or is making changes to the process. I understand the point that was made about people having their say. One must balance housing needs with the rights of residents. Valid points were made and I am happy to arrange for the Minister to come to the House to discuss the matter.

Senator Bacik made reference to the recent comments by a number of by-election candidates. Yesterday, Senators McDowell, O'Sullivan and I discussed, as part of the Order of Business, the need for respect and tolerance in the political process. Sometimes we need to understand the import of our words, what they mean, and be mindful of how we say them. I am happy to have that debate, as we had yesterday, in the House. I will have a discussion with the Senator regarding her request for Government time to be set aside for the Labour Party Bill.

Senator McDowell made reference to the Georgian heart of Dublin being uprooted and demolished by the ESB. One cannot disagree with the points that he made about Fitzwilliam Square, where the ESB demolished a Georgian building, which beggars belief. I agree with him that there was an opportunity and I am disappointed that the ESB is not acquiescing. I am not aware that the ESB is selling the building on as I thought it was its headquarters.