Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am just saying that anyone in any office would be looking to do their job to the best of their ability. It is not a process in isolation but, ultimately, the Minister has to make the decision on the basis of the advice he or she receives. I do not think you can get away from the fact that the OPR is making a recommendation to the Minister. It is not just providing a bulk of documents but is making a recommendation on its consideration. The Minister then has to consider the position. There is nothing to stop the Minister going back and reconsidering. These are all public documents that are available. We are looking to have an integrated process for planning; that is what we want. It involves councillors at the council level and at the RSES level. It involves interaction with the Oireachtas at every level. We can beg to differ but I am basing my argument on what I see in practice, which I feel works. Everyone has a role to play. It is ultimately a recommendation but the OPR is still required under the legislation to make a summary of all submissions.