Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for letting me in again. I refer to Deputy Matthews's point on the creative interventions around schools or junctions. I had the privilege of spending quite a bit of time in France this summer and there seems to be very different culture in the local and regional government system there. They are empowered to use their own discretion, and often will move away from the national standard. They certainly have regard to it but use their own professional expertise as well. There is probably something to be said for giving our engineers and planners that level of discretion, notwithstanding the importance of having consistency and very good national standards, which we generally do between the new national cycle manual and the design manual for urban roads and streets. These are really good documents, but they are prefaced with the caveat that the engineer will use his or her professional judgment when designing. We should understand this and certainly empower them to be creative in their solutions.

Reference was made to the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022, which needs to go through the Houses. It is very important. I believe it was introduced in August 2022 so we are 14 months on. Am I right in saying that?