Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Amendment No. 241 tabled by Deputies Ó Broin, Gould and Ó Snodaigh seeks to amend section 27 of the Bill which concerns the content of regional spatial and economic strategies, RSESs. The Bill provides that an RSES shall make provision for a number of specified matters, which include the preservation and protection of the environment and its amenities, including the archaeological, architectural and natural heritage of the region. This amendment seeks to include "cultural" and "linguistic" here.

I cannot accept this amendment as I consider that the provision as drafted is appropriate and there is no need to make specific reference to "cultural" and "linguistic" in these provisions. These matters are not directly related to planning and I do not consider that they are appropriate to be included. The purpose of the RSES is to support implementation of the national planning framework and the economic policies and objectives of the Government in accordance with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development. RSESs are vital for identifying strategic assets, opportunities and challenges as well as setting out policies in response to meeting people's needs. Cultural and Gaeltacht policy matters are the responsibility of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.