Róisín Garvey (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I am just clarifying that it is open to any Senator to attend meetings of the Oireachtas joint committee on housing, not just Senators like Senator Boyhan, who did work hard on this planning Bill and contributed to amendments thereto long before the beginning of this week.

I want to refer to section 51 and, in particular, amendments Nos. 186 and 187. The matter I wish to raise has been mentioned by Senator Currie and, I think, Senators Boyhan and Higgins. The provision of public rights of way is important. I have seen at first-hand what happens when there is a "may" instead of a "shall". It is a mess and there is war over it. It divides communities. There are private entities taking over public access. I have seen it happen at first-hand in many places in my county, which I will not name today. My amendment seeks to compel planning authorities to include public rights of way on a map. It is brilliant that they will be on a map but the wording in this section is that a planning authority "may" include objectives. We want to change it to "shall". If it is "may", it is grey. We know what happens with grey areas: all hell breaks loose, with war in communities, blockades and private owners building where there is public access. We need all the public access we can get. The "may" is too grey; we need a "shall". I ask the Minister to consider that.

I thank him for ensuring the Bill will protect the Aarhus Convention and access to justice throughout. That is really important to me as an environmental activist. Many I know want to know that the convention will be protected. I confirm that for everybody today.

I welcome the great news about the home loan scheme. People were talking today about the housing crisis, dereliction and the Croí Cónaithe fund, which has been massive. As of today or yesterday-----