Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. I also welcome the Bill, which is important. Having recently spoken to councillors who are in the middle of their development plans, they are finding many difficulties. It is very good that this extension is being offered. As has been pointed out, it is difficult to do everything online and have meaningful meetings online and get the true reflection of the members. Sometimes people can step outside a group setting or the council chamber to discuss issues to see whether they can be resolved through amendments.

I support Senator Fitzpatrick's suggestion of a simple majority. Reaching a majority of three quarters would be tough. Sometimes people do not understand what someone else is proposing. People in local areas know what they are speaking about and it is very important if they feel something being proposed should not be blocked by the other side.

I ask that larger developments under construction, which ran into problems earlier in the year or had to stop because of Covid restrictions, be granted an extension of planning permission. We are back building now and it is very important that these developments progress as quickly as possible and that they are allowed the time at the other end for completion.