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

I appreciate that. If duplexes do fall within the definition yet state houses and duplexes but not apartments, then that is unhelpful to say the least. I appreciate that this is in the definition in section 2 of the Planning and Development Act but good legislation should be clear and unambiguous as much as possible. Good legislation should not have to involve wording like this that requires people to go back to a previous definition in order for people to understand that apartments are included. Good wording here would explicitly include apartments, especially if duplexes are part of this. If we are relying on the definition contained in the Act then referencing it would make things that bit easier. If we gave the list of "houses, duplexes and apartments" then we would all know and anyone who read this legislation would be very clear.