Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Chairman that a planning framework is crucial. The Minister is correct that everything is based on budgets and getting as much money as one can into one's local authority, tourism and all of the different areas. Under this plan, I want the weaker counties in rural Ireland to get their fair share of development and not be forgotten.

The Minister when he outlined the programme said that there are five key messages, which I welcome. I have read them all but I have queries about two of them. He has said that the Government will legislate for an independent office for planning regulation. What is the timescale for this? He has also said that there will be a new national ten-year investment plan called smart growth. A few people have asked me about the plan. Can he clarify the matter?

In 2040, we will undertake to consider the merits of developing new structures such as a national land development agency to work with local authorities, which is crucial. I ask the Minister to clarify the few points that I have made because these are probably the key messages for every rural community and county in Ireland. We need a framework plan but we must ensure areas like Carlow are not forgotten. I would hate if the Minister of State forgot Carlow when he left this room.