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

I understand that. Given the significance of national planning statements, which we have gone through, having a role for the Oireachtas joint committee in the scrutiny makes sense. The national planning statements, as has been referenced, cover a huge number of areas. It is a inexhaustive list. Planning and development covers important issues such as the pattern, layout and form of amenity space, achieving consolidation in the regeneration of urban areas, appropriate density, and the protection of amenities and the character and vitality of urban areas. A huge number of areas are covered by national planning statements. In making changes to them, therefore, having the input of the Oireachtas joint committee would be helpful.

I appreciate that the Minister of State is being consistent with what he has previously said here, but when changes arise, that is going to happen because issues have arisen or been raised through the democratic process. Having the involvement, therefore, of the Oireachtas joint committee at that stage would be useful and beneficial in order to get its input and views. Not having that scrutiny will just weaken the process. The Minister of State and the Government may be of the view that the Oireachtas joint committee and its scrutiny have nothing to add in this process, but I take a very different view. I appreciate I am a member of the committee, but from what I have seen of the work of the other members of the committee in my time on it, in all the scrutiny in which the committee has been involved it has been beneficial and has only added to legislation or policy in any area. I cannot see, therefore, what is to be lost by having Oireachtas joint committee scrutiny here.

If the issue is very straightforward and uncontroversial, the involvement of the Oireachtas joint committee in scrutiny will be much more limited than it would be if it were a more complex area. A lot of planning issues can be contentious and difficult but at Oireachtas joint committee meetings there is often consensus and cross-party work, which is also a benefit for the process. I urge the Minister of State to look at this. Both the legislative process and the democratic process for this would benefit from scrutiny, but there are also a lot of benefits in practical terms.