Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Yes, just because were on a discussion of amendments relating to the OPR in this grouping. Some of these have been mentioned by the Minister but maybe not all of them. I want to talk to my amendments Nos. 511, 565, 1129 and 1131.

Amendment No. 511 is about the assessment of a development plan variation by the Office of the Planning Regulator. What this amendment seeks to do is ensure that if the development plan is materially inconsistent with any relevant language plan, a recommendation will be made to the Minister that a draft direction under section 62 be issued.

Given the discussion we have had here, a development plan would only be materially inconsistent with any relevant language plan in relation to planning matters. Other issues in the language plan simply would not come into that.

Amendment No. 565 relates to assessments of urban area plans, priority area plans and co-ordinated area plans by the Office of the Planning Regulator. This amendment seeks that where they are materially inconsistent with language plans, a recommendation under section 76 would be made to the Minister that a draft direction would be issued.

The Minister has said that where local authorities have development plans in Gaeltacht areas, they can take all this into consideration, etc. Yet, the issue here is that without these amendments, it seems that this has gone under the radar of the OPR. I can see the Minister signalling otherwise. I would be very interested to hear how, because I cannot see it in the legislation. If the Minister can explain to us how it is covered in the legislation that would be very helpful.

I will address the last two points in my subgrouping regarding the evaluation and assessment of plans and strategies for the Office of the Planning Regulator. The amendment would ensure the plans and strategies are materially consistent with any language plan agreed under the Acht na Gaeltachta, 2012. Amendment No. 1131 is on the evaluation and assessment of plans and strategies by the OPR, similar to the other amendment. It would mean that in carrying out consultation with planning authorities, the OPR would consider language plans agreed under the Acht na Gaeltachta, 2012. If the Minister feels these are not necessary, I would be interested in hearing how they are covered in the legislation elsewhere or how these issues are being dealt with. These amendments are all proposed here in the fear that the elements that should be part of the OPR’s work are not being dealt with or covered under the legislation. If it is, I would like to hear about that.