Ms Alma Walsh:

It is important to go back to what was set out in the opening statement in terms of the role of the NPF at the apex of the policy hierarchy. It is what establishes national policy to inform plan-making at the regional and the local level. In terms of the sequence of what needs to happen now, the priority is for the NPF to be finalised and to be in situ in order to give that signal right across the board, not only to the regional and local authorities but also across the other policy measures that have to come in regarding the section 28 guidelines. The Cathaoirleach is correct. A number of them are under way and are well advanced. Subsequent to this being approved, they will become the focus.