Mr. Paul Hogan:

There are a number of different issues involved here. Without getting into the specifics of the County Meath case, the bottom line is that given the need, target and objective to increase the number of people who speak Irish daily in Gaeltacht areas, it is probably fairer to say that it will be easier for people who comply with the language objectives to get planning permission in Gaeltacht areas. The legislative provisions are actually quite strong. Every development plan must include objectives to do with the promotion of Irish as a community language and that must follow through to how planning applications are dealt with. There are very strong provisions that allow planning applications to be refused if they have the potential to affect the cultural heritage of the Gaeltacht. It is also possible to put conditions on planning applications. It is quite well regulated at the development stage of the process. The matter the Deputy raised with regard to holiday homes or subsequent sale is more problematic. Perhaps the solution does not lie solely with the planning system. What can be done years after permission is granted, when people have lived in a property and whose lives have then changed, is very different. That might have to be dealt with through other means. That is worth exploring more broadly. There are a number of different issues in play here.