Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will explain it because, in fairness, when the amendment was submitted, I asked Deputies to explain the rationale behind it. This gives guidance to the planner. This is not guidance to the Minister. The national planning statement is issued and this is basically about absolute clarity, certainty and consistency and does not reach into the planner's decision-making role in any way. When a planner is looking at this, and looking at Chapter 2 as a whole, he or she will be looking at the performance of function in respect of land-based development or proposed land-based development and will have regard to the principles of proper planning and sustainable development as well as to "such provisions of a National Planning Statement as are not the subject of any provision in a plan referred to". In paragraph (n), the Bill is basically providing that a planner needs to assess an application in line with the national planning statement. It is not providing that I or a Minister needs to assess it. This is guidance to the planner.

One of the issues that has been discussed is the inconsistencies in the application of guidance that has been issued up to now. That is why we are strengthening it under the national planning statements and ensuring there is consistency there. It does not reach into their decision making at all. It just means that they have to carry this out as part of their assessment.