I am calling for a debate on the planning process in Ireland, particularly the way competitors use it as a tool to stymie others from getting a foothold in a market. While I fully accept the majority of objections are made by private individuals and community groups with real concerns about planning applications, there are a number of body corporates that use the process as a strategic tool to clamp down on competition in their chosen field. I have been informed that there is a company in this country which is a serial objector.

There is more than one.

In the past five years, it has objected more than 70 times to planning applications made by competitors, with up to half of them being successful. It even says on its website that it opposes unsustainable out-of-town retail development. I fully agree with it on that point, but what about the sustainable retail units and supermarkets being built smack bang in the middle of our town centres which it opposes?

The cost of submitting a planning objection is so cheap, at €20 to the local council and €50 to An Bord Pleanála, it makes great commercial sense if one is looking to retain one's market share. The actions of these naysayers, however, are costing towns jobs, not only in the retail sector but also in the construction sector. To turn a blind eye to what is going on right now would be nothing short of negligent. We must continue to highlight the kinds of strokes being pulled. The essence of democracy allows for people to make their concerns known and I want to uphold that right, but it is wrong and worrying that the integrity of the system is being called into question and large companies are abusing the process for their own commercial gain. We need to have a debate on the issue and look at strengthening our planning legislation to ensure it is not left open to abuse. For that reason, I ask that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government would be invited to this House to debate the matter at his earliest convenience.