Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is nearly a case of repetition at this stage so I will be brief. When I looked at this amendment, I was surprised. I respect the right of Senator Moynihan and indeed any of her colleagues. I would never be against people tabling amendments. It is unfortunate that we have created a debate as if somebody on the Government side of the House had this in mind. This has come from an amendment from the Opposition. As far as I am aware, nobody is in favour of development on these open spaces. That is quite clear. I am protective of open spaces. Senator Boyhan made a point about derelict sites in Phoenix Park and other areas that have been neglected. Doing something with those would be perfect. To support Senators Casey, Fitzpatrick and Byrne, nobody on this side of the House is saying that anything in this Bill will try to take over some of these areas of natural beauty, which are so important to all our people, for building houses. I look forward to the Minister clarifying the matter this evening, once and for all, because I do not think it exists. It is unfortunate that sometimes we start these arguments when there is no truth to them at all.