Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I understand what the Minister is saying but it seems the system he referenced would be much more convoluted and much less clear.

It would probably make it fairly clear to someone intimately involved in the system, but it would not clarify very much for a community group or make it streamlined. There is nothing wrong with having community groups involved, especially where their members live in the area that would be directly affected by the development. They will have to live with it long after the developer has left.

As I understand it, this amendment was also taken as one of those put forward in the context of the original heads of the Bill issued by the Department. Therefore, the Department must have considered at some stage as well. That is important and for that reason, I will let my amendments stand. We could address the matter on Report Stage if the Minister intends dealing with it then. We can see what comes from forward in the meantime. I am, however, leaving the amendments to stand as they are now.