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

Amendment No. 245, tabled by Deputies Ó Broin, Gould, Ó Snodaigh, Boyd Barrett, Smith, Kenny and O’Callaghan, seeks to amend section 27(1)(n)(iv). This section, as drafted, provides that a strategy relating to economic matters would include, among other things, identification of the means of maintaining and augmenting overall regional economic performance in accordance with national economic policy. The amendment seeks to change this requirement to provide that the means identified also recognise the importance of balancing such economic requirements with factors improving the health and well-being of the regional population.

I ask the Deputies to withdraw the amendment. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, has already given a commitment to look at amendment No. 151 with a view to including references to health and well-being in section 19 of the national planning framework. It is also important to note that the Government is adopting a well-being model or framework and overarching sustainable development goals in all policies of Government. I agree with Deputy Ó Broin that we need to look beyond economic growth at the overall health and well-being of the population. If the Deputies are happy to withdraw the amendment, the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, has given a commitment through amendment No. 151 to include references to health and well-being.