Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I do not believe I am. Neither am I misinterpreting the intention of the legislation, which Deputy Ryan referred to and which we have raised previously. Local authorities should be prevented from going below a certain minimum standard of acceptability. That is absolutely a function of the Government. However, where they are trying to improve, whether that is energy efficiency, the carbon footprint or quality of life outcomes, that should be encouraged and where there are cost implications for development, that should be examined elsewhere in the system. It is worrying that the Minister sees the role of the Government as setting a cap on the standards, above which people should not be allowed to go. That was clearly the intention of the former Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly's, legislation and his actions on that basis. It is the first time I have heard this Minister speak about it in that way.