Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We think the amendments are good and knowing the Minister, Deputy Coveney, he could talk about them all day if Deputies want. We can do that on the floor of the Dáil at some other stage if need be. As the Deputy is aware, a Bill can be recommitted to Committee Stage on the floor of the Dáil for a temporary period of time. I recommend that process if it is an issue for the Deputies.

I think I missed Deputy Wallace's second question. His first question asked if An Bord Pleanála is bound to a development plan. As it stands, it is not. It needs to take it on board along with all the other national policies. That is because the development plans do not always reflect national policy or national guidelines. As that sometimes can be a negative, the board is not bound by it. In the past, lands were zoned despite being in a flood plain. If An Bord Pleanála were bound by that, I would have difficulty with it, as would other Departments. That is not in legislation at the moment, so it is not bound by it. I understand the point the Deputy is making. It certainly has to bear it in mind but sometimes the development plan does not get everything right. I acknowledge it is not just to do with zoning land. The overall aims and objectives of the development plan have to be taken on board and that is what it would do.

I ask the Deputy to repeat his second question.