Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to be associated with the thanks expressed to the Cathaoirleach, the Clerk of the Seanad, the Seanad staff and the committee that organised the events for yesterday's Seanad 100. Congratulations on such a positive event. The strongest take away for me was the enormous positive feedback from the former members of Seanad Éireann. I would like to think that in the new year we might explore how we can continue to build on that relationship with former members of this House and the knowledge transfer they have, and their vast experience. Former Senators were truly thrilled to be here and we must tap into their expertise more. We should constructively look at doing so across these Houses.

I formally second the proposal by my colleague, Senator Keogan's, who proposed an amendment to the Order of Business concerning Dr. Kathleen Lynn. The movement around Dr. Lynn is enormous and speaks for itself. The issue has been covered extensively in the media and on the poles around Leinster House in the past week. I support this very obvious issue and I know we will have other opportunities to speak on the matter.

I want to talk about the proposed planning legislation. It is important that we do not feed into misinformation. There is a lot of misinformation but one thing is clear is that right across the media there is a suggestion that community groups would be barred from taking judicial reviews. We must wait and see what that is but I would like to think we would strongly resist any attempt by community groups, community initiatives or city and county councils that are intrinsically involved in these community groups being hampered in terms of their ability to robustly participate in the planning process.

Interestingly, some days ago I took the time to look at the website of An Bord Pleanála and searched for the names of a number of Deputies, Senators and Government Ministers who made very positive and constructive objections, and engaged with many communities about judicial reviews. I hope they will remember that when they are on the other side of the fence and outside this House when this legislation comes before us.