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

No. Not all national planning statements require or need consultation. The word "may" is technical. The word "shall" is used so that a very clear direction can be given to the three regional assemblies on their responsibilities. On the additional supports needed, subsection (9) reads, "A reasonable request for assistance made by a regional assembly by virtue of paragraph (b) of subsection (3) shall not be refused by a local authority, and any dispute as to the reasonableness of such request shall be referred to the Minister for adjudication having regard to subsection (7)." That relates to the point the Deputy raised on additional resources to carry out the planning.