Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The import of section 65 is that it states:

(a) an event or situation with significant national, regional or strategic implications has occurred or is likely to occur,

(b) it is necessary for the Government to take action as a matter of urgency for the purpose of dealing with the implications or likely implications of the event or situation concerned

Reading through it, on the point of principle, this is for something of national strategic importance where an event has occurred.

Furthermore, the Minister has to get Government approval, must consult with the Office of the Planning Regulator and is required, before issuing an urgent direction, to publish notice of the determination made under the paragraphs on the website named on behalf of the Minister. It is made public. This measure is designed for something to happen, not to stop it. This is designed for the case where something arises that is of national strategic importance and requires an urgent decision. This provides for the Government to consult with the experts in the Office of the Planning Regulator and it publishes it as well. The public will be aware of it. There is nothing done here that is not put into the public domain. Fundamentally, when we go back to it, we have a differing view on the role of the Government.