Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I confirm that I am in the Leinster House complex. I thank the Department officials for coming in and for all their work on this issue. I agree with the Chair and other speakers that this is highly significant work. In that context, I agree with what Deputy Ó Broin said. We have a duty to ensure that, as a statutory plan, this framework receives a proper level of scrutiny from our end. We should do that at the committee level and produce a report and make recommendations with regard to this plan before full debates in the Dáil and Seanad. Anything less would not do the process justice with respect to a plan made by the Oireachtas.

I have two questions to ask. What are the key things that have changed in the plan and in the environmental assessments since they were put out for public consultation? What are the big changes that have been made since the public consultation? Will the witnesses specifically address the spatial and temporal dimension and compliance with Article 8(1) of the maritime spatial planning directive? Will they also address the issue of what has come out of the public consultation with regard to the inclusion of the marine protected areas and the treatment of aquaculture and fisheries?

I also want to ask about the overall compliance of the planning framework with the maritime spatial planning directive. Has there been any independent analysis of the framework to assess whether it is compliant with the directive? If so, will the Department officials direct us towards it?