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

We then have a consequent problem because section 18(5), in referring to the regulations I queried in section 18(4), provides that the Minister shall only "have regard to" the various measures rather than having to comply with them. The word "comply" is much stronger. Having listened to the Minister of State, I am more confused now than I was. I appreciate he will come back to us in more detail. However, the absence of real public participation, or clarity on that participation, undermines some of the positive things the Minister of State said earlier. That gives me some cause for concern.