Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I respectfully disagree with the Deputy's interpretation. The section clearly sets out that it applies where the Minister is satisfied in the case of "an event or situation". Section 65(1)(b) refers to circumstances in which "it is necessary for the Government to take action as a matter of urgency". For the sake of everyone else who is listening, so we are not just repeating ourselves, I have been abundantly clear as to what the section would be used for. Those are very specific criteria. For anyone who takes the leap to imagine that this provision would be used to direct how each development plan would be used to deliver housing, for argument's sake, or schools or something else, that is absolutely not the intention. I have also said that I will consider section 65(4) and come back on Report Stage in respect of the consultation with elected members in the very rare event this section is used.