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

We had a fair discussion on matters relating to this, I think it was the week before last. Deputy O'Callaghan has outlined that amendment No. 202 seeks to provide that a planning statement can be issued in respect of the "promotion of human health and well-being". We had quite a detailed discussion on this already. Last week we discussed a similar amendment on human health and well-being relating to the national planning framework. Deputy O'Callaghan may recall it was on amendment No. 154. As I stated then, it should be noted a wide range of measures relating to well-being and health matters lie outside the remit of planning. With respect to measures to improve the built environment in support of good health and well-being, I am of the view that such measures can be most practically achieved through guidance. However, last week I made a commitment, and I reiterate it here, to look at the sentiment of amendment No. 154 relating to human health and well-being in the context of the national planning framework. I will look at amendment No. 202 as part of this, sitting within the national planning framework and deriving guidance from it. I want to put this on the record with regard to amendment No. 202.