Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am from Laois which is one of the first counties to have a ministerial order for our plan when the then Minister of State, Mr. Dick Roche, was in office. I am more than familiar with the process. Some of the names Mr. McCarthy just mentioned would have discussed the issue with the Minister. A formal structure is being put in place. Up to now the Department was doing it. A previous Oireachtas committee made recommendations. Ministerial direction hit local authorities out of the blue. Eventually, the matter was discussed in an Oireachtas committee. Subsequently, Mayo County Council was also subject to the process and the lack of consultation was highlighted. The process has improved now. The Minister outlines his intention and the local authority has an opportunity to respond. There is a bit more common sense involved.