Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As I stated, this is a streamlining provision. By the way, I assure Deputies that this has not been brought forward with any particular project, development or strategic piece of State infrastructure in mind. That is not the case. Governments rightly use legislation and legislative vehicles to advance changes. That is what we are about. That is the reason we are legislators. This is a streamlining provision. I am not being smart, but I do not have a crystal ball that would tell me for what this provision will be used. It is a useful and necessary provision to streamline the process. I bring forward the legislation and amendments as Minister. In the context of the legislative process, these provisions are initiated by me with Government approval. That is the provision and those are its origins and the rationale for it. Obviously, members will make their own minds up on it. It is a forward-looking and streamlining provision in respect of planning. I cannot say whether it will be used this year, next year or the year after that for a residential development, or whether it will ever be used. However, in my view, it is required.