Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I spoke earlier about allowing flexibility in the type and format of consultation that any Minister would have. All of the ones that are listed, with the exception of "members of the public" - which is everybody - are State bodies. The list includes members of the Oireachtas, regional assemblies and so on, as well as members of the public and that distinction is made there. The prescribed bodies would be detailed in the regulations and that is the appropriate place for them to be. We had a similar discussion when we were talking about Gaeltacht planning and the fact that new organisations come onto the pitch and are established for various different purposes and they should not be precluded, under primary legislation, from being consulted with. The best place for this is within the regulations themselves. Oireachtas Members are elected by the public. The regional assemblies, local authorities, the commission and so on, are listed, as well as members of the public. The list catches everyone. There is also reference to any Department or body in Northern Ireland with responsibility for regional development and then "such other persons or public bodies as the Minister considers appropriate" and these will be detailed in the regulations. That is the right place for them because the regulations can be added to.

Regarding Deputy O' Callaghan's point on Article 6, that is dealt with under the environmental regulations. I am not accepting this amendment for the reasons I have outlined.