Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I do not have an issue with the use of summaries but with the legal obligation on the Minister. The legal obligation on the Minister, under the amendments proposed, is not to consider the submissions. Of course, submissions can be dipped into for more detail but the legal obligation is to consider the summary of the submissions. Since the OPR compiles the summary of submissions on its own work, does this legally allow it to filter things out? If so, and if the Minister considers only the summary and not the more detailed submissions, he or she will be acting lawfully and properly under this Bill. I have no issue with the compilation and use of a summary - it makes sense - but if the legal obligation is not to consider the submissions, only the summary, it is watered down or weakened. The Minister of State might clarify the position. With regard to development plans, is there an obligation to consider the summary of submissions or the submissions made?