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

I will now address amendment No. 121, which was jointly tabled by Deputies Matthews and Ó Cathasaigh, and amendment No. 389, in the name of Deputy Matthews. These amendments seek to amend section 46 with an obligation to prepare strategy relating to creation, improvement and preservation of sustainable places and communities by providing that such a strategy would reserve land for use of and cultivation of community gardens in addition to allotments as already provided for in the Bill. Amendment No. 121 provides a definition of "community garden". The amendments have merit, but I ask the Deputies to withdraw them in order to allow me to consider them further and for my officials to engage with the Office of the Attorney General on how the amendments are worded. I am not in any way questioning the Deputies' legal advice, but the Government is required to work with the AG and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to ensure they are appropriately drafted and align with provisions in the wider Bill.

I will bring forward amendments on Report Stage to address the points raised.