I do not know whether the Minister got a chance to see the "RTÉ Investigates" programme about illegal quarrying in Ireland, which was broadcast last night. It gave a devastating account of a range of quarries where massive works were being carried out, which were damaging ecosystems and rivers. They were done without any planning permission or were using the High Court system to prevent local authorities from doing their job. What we saw was a defiance of planning law which highlighted our feeble regulations. Some local authorities appeared to be buying materials from illegal operators. Everybody knows that quarrying is an essential part of the construction industry, which is an indigenous industry, but it has to be carried out legally. Last night's programme was an appalling indictment of what has been happening across the country. Will the Minister introduce, if necessary, new legislation and regulations? Will he ensure that local authorities do their job?

Is legislation proposed in this area?

I thank the Deputy for the question. It is a very serious issue but Part VIII of the Planning and Development Act is very strong on this area. We had very lax regulation around quarrying development for a number of years. We moved to make changes some years ago. New ministerial guidance was issued. New planning guidance was issued also. An opportunity was given to the industry to regularise its affairs and go through a consent process. The planning powers, and the enforcement powers, are in place. The local authorities have to follow up on those enforcement powers. That is the important issue here. We need to make sure local authorities are doing that.

The courts are being ignored.