Mr. Nick Killian:

I am watching the clock as well. I thank the Cathaoirleach and members of the committee. Planning and development are among the most pressing issues which I and my colleagues on the AILG face daily. Not a day goes by without contact from a citizen who is concerned about the prospects of a planning application which they have made or are worried about. They are often worried about the implications of an application somebody else has made. The reality at representational and strategic level is that councillors are involved, through their reserved functions, in making and varying the development plan. It is through these twin lenses of experience at the front end of the planning process that AILG has looked at the Bill. I add that there was little time available to us for such a large publication. I would like to go straight on to one point if I may.