Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for attending and covering the issues in detail. The draft questions and answers document is excellent, which highlights the issue of communication. People have a great deal of information to take in and we will have to bear with them, as the Minister pointed out. It is an extensive question and answer section.

The local authorities and the Department will need to initiate an information campaign before the regulations take effect. The Minister might share with us his plans regarding information because people want to be compliant with the law. The legislation addresses a substantial number of issues. Will the Minister outline his public relations plans to promote the concept of the legislation and the requirements it imposes on people? Will he explain how these arrangements will be enforced? This is important because people need to be clear that there are repercussions for failure to comply with the regulations. I would like to hear more about the Minister's intentions for enforcement and the lead enforcement agencies.

What resources will be made available to local authorities? The Minister spoke in some detail about compliance with the forms and touching base with local authorities, which are ultimately the planning and housing authorities. The regulations will place additional demands on local authorities. Does the Minister plan to give additional resources to them to manage those demands?