Mr. Michael Lynch:

In terms of the mapping question, special areas of conservation, SACs, were given as an example. My understanding is the question was why Gaeltachtaí were not similarly mapped and decisions did not reflect the fact persons were from the Gaeltacht. The Deputy will find from the long statement that our new development plan, with the amendments, would put a significant emphasis on the Gaeltacht and Gaeltacht communities in response both to submissions we have received and to our own council members and their views. That is more from a cultural heritage perspective. In terms of the decision-making process and mapping, our rural housing policy decision-making process, reflected by the mapping, is very much faithful and reflects the regulatory system provided for in the section 28 ministerial guidelines. We have sought to focus on delivering housing to members of the local rural community, be they in the Gaeltacht or otherwise. It has the positive effect in the Gaeltacht of local persons benefiting from grants and planning permission, which is reflected in our statistics. We are very much reflecting the section 28 guidelines in that regard.