Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As Senator Daly was lifting up that green book, I was wondering whether this is why we need a printer in Leinster House or whether it is worn out from that. I acknowledge the work of the Senator in respect of his report. He has been consistent and committed in his work.

I congratulate the Chairman, Senator Richmond, and all members of the Seanad Special Select Committee on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. The committee has completed its work and issued its final report. I expect it will be stood down in a matter of days. It expires on 31 December. I wish the committee members well and thank them for their work. It was important work that brought a certain focus and international attention to some members of the committee, which was not a bad thing. It gave Irish representatives in the Seanad, particularly the Chairman, an opportunity to state the case so it was an important piece of work for which I thank all those involved.

I had intended not supporting the Order of Business today. I indicated this to the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government stating that I would seek to have the Order of Business amended so that he would come to the House to explain his position on a public consultation.The Leader may or may not be aware that on 9 December the Minister published a public consultation on the proposed housing and planning development Bill 2019, particularly regarding the Aarhus Convention and European directives and obligations. The issue of attention for many NGOs is the issue of judicial reviews. The Minister reflected on that and our conversation, and on matters that were discussed this morning at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government. I understand he has now extended for a further two weeks that public consultation until some time near the end of January. I welcome that. I am glad that I played some part in that. I acknowledge the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, for agreeing to do that. I thank him for that.

I will be here to vote tomorrow but I will not be here to speak on the Order of Business. As we come to the end of the year, I take this opportunity to thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach, the Cathaoirleach, the Clerk of the Seanad, Mr. Martin Groves, and Bridget and all the staff of the Seanad for the work that they do. I also thank Ms Orla Murray and the Leader. It is not always an easy place to be chairing, administering and leading the House and it is important. It has been a difficult year for some Members of this House. It is has been a difficult year for people in politics.