Mr. Colin Ryan:

There are, broadly speaking, three aspects to that issue. There are plans in flight at the moment and we will see where they land in relation to the new planning regime from a plan-making point of view. The key issue in respect of planning applications that are in progress is consent. When the new Bill is enacted, we need to know where those applications sit. Do they sit under the current Act, as it stands at the moment? Will they be dealt with and finalised under the current legislation? The enforcement aspect in respect of current cases also needs to considered. Broadly speaking, those are the key areas that need to be dealt with.

The Deputy asked about the direction of travel. As we have said previously, there was a significant transition when we last did a comprehensive planning Bill, which was in 2000. The new Bill reflects the same broad parameters from a system point of view. It is that aspect of things that will be reflected on as it applies to how we will move through the transitional arrangements.

The Deputy also asked about amendments. We will have to see how the Bill progresses and what is tabled by the Deputy and others. We cannot make a commitment now that we will not bring amendments.