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

On amendment No. 526 and that very point, it is a significant power relating to the urgent direction requiring chief executive to vary development plan. There are reasons why this power may be needed. For it to be done by the Minister without Oireachtas involvement, however, would effectively involve the Minister overriding the democratic decision of local government. The European Commission local autonomy index looks at OECD countries. Of the 56 or 58 countries listed, Ireland is third from bottom. Only Malta and Belarus, which is not a democratic country, are worse than Ireland. We are incredibly bad when it comes to local authority autonomy and measures like this impact that further. There could be reasons for it, but I do not think that doing it without the input or approval of the Oireachtas is justifiable. This amendment would require a resolution to be passed by the Oireachtas. It would also require a debate. If the specific timing of the debate is an issue, that can always be changed. Requiring discussion by the Oireachtas of such a significant power or of such a major direction being issued makes absolute sense.