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

I would like to come in briefly on amendments Nos. 641 and 642. Amendment No. 641 is to ensure an application for permission for a standard development can be made in either Irish or English. This is all it says and all it seeks to do. Amendment No. 642 seeks to ensure that when an application for permission for a standard development is made as Gaeilge, any return correspondence to an applicant would be in Irish as well. Section 92(2) of the Bill reads, "An application for permission for standard development shall be in such form, and be accompanied by such documentation, as may be prescribed." It would be possible to prescribe a provision in this context. Indeed, such provisions are contained in other legislation. If this was not an issue, though, I would not be bringing forward this amendment. It should be standard practice and set out in the legislation to ensure there is accessibility for and participation from the entire community, including the Irish language community. I refer to ensuring people in that community can fully access and participate in the planning system in the same way as anyone else, as is their right. This is the thinking and rationale behind these two amendments. I hope the Minister will accept them.