I ask the Taoiseach about the proposal by the Minister with responsibility for housing, Deputy Simon Coveney, to the effect that planning permission for housing estates of more than 150 units will go straight to An Bord Pleanála and bypass the local authority entirely. The follow-up proposal by Deputy Barry Cowen, the Fianna Fáil spokesperson, is to bring that down to 30 units. In built-up areas, that would end planning as we know it. In fact, it would be back to the oldest alliance between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael relating to fast-track planning in the interest of developers.

Does the Deputy have a question?

Can the Taoiseach tell me whether this will result in legislation and when?

I think the Deputy's comment is completely unworthy of somebody who has served in government and who is a former Tánaiste. I reject that assertion completely.

It is in the paper.

I reject Deputy Burton's assertion about going back to the old days between political parties.

I served on the old Dublin County Council. I have a lot of personal experience of this.

We do not need to know about the old Dublin County Council.

I have a lot of experience of it. Do not lecture me about it.

We do not indeed, An Ceann Comhairle. We know enough about that.

Thank you, a Thaoisigh; please deal with the question.

These are matters that will be part of the housing action plan to be delivered in outline very shortly by the Minister for housing, planning and local government. Obviously, incentives are built in there for county councils to move on and for local authorities to get on with the job of providing affordable houses and social houses for the many people who need them throughout the country.

As regards Deputy Ó Caoláin's question, the Seanad Committee on Procedure and Privileges is meeting this week to appoint committees through the Committee of Selection.