Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The strategic policy committees are obliged in any case to be consistent with the economic strategy of the appropriate regional assembly. While the Deputy's concern in these matters is sometimes well-founded, the legal advice available to me is that there is sufficient control in place and the requirement to "have regard to" the requirements of the development plan, regional plan and national spatial strategy is sufficient. I understand the spirit of the amendment.