Mr. David Walsh:

I will say a few introductory words and then pass over to Mr. Hogan to run through the detail. I thank the Chairman and the committee members for the chance to give them an update on how the work on the national planning framework is going and our plan to timeline over the coming months. We have been working on this for quite a while. We have had much extensive engagement. We briefed Oireachtas Members last July on the overall structure and the plans for the national planning framework. This meeting is a very useful opportunity for us to bring forward some of the key ideas that are emerging and particularly to hear the committee's views on and have its input to the process. There is a huge amount of work beyond our summary presentation. We will be able to provide further detail and evidence to underpin many of the principles and priorities that will emerge.

We foresee a very important role for the committee, especially as we hope the NPF will be progressed through the Oireachtas process and ultimately adopted by the Oireachtas under the proposed new legislation in the Planning and Development Acts. The presentation will give the committee a good sense of our progress on some of the key challenges. The fundamental question we in the Department and many other stakeholders are asking is what kind of country we want in 20 years time and, perhaps more important, how we get there. The "how" is very important. I hope the committee's input today, our further thoughts and the views from the regions and the Irish Planning Institute will be very valuable in that. I will pass over to Mr. Hogan who will run through the detail.