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

That was my question as well. I am seeking to know the rationale for this change. When we compare the 2000 Act to this Bill, what is the exact rationale for taking away the role of the Oireachtas as outlined in the 2000 Act and changing it in the Bill? What has given rise to this decision? We have had a very extensive process with the Mahon tribunal in terms of its recommendations. It went on for years. That fact should inform decisions being made. If anything, the Bill should be going in the opposite direction, given the concern expressed in the Mahon tribunal about the extent of the Minister's powers in the planning system as a whole, and especially regarding the making of the NDP, the NSS and the RPGs, as they were then. We accept it is the Government's position, but what is the policy rationale for these changes?