Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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The Minister of State, Deputy O’Donnell, referenced section(4) in particular in the context of amendment No. 188. Section 66 states:

Prior to making any order under subsection (3), the Minister shall comply with any applicable requirements of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (and the Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations) and the Habitats Directive ...

The Minister of State said that effectively covered the requirements in respect of public participation for extensions of development plans. However, the difficulty with that is that an SEA may not be triggered. It can well happen that a strategic environmental assessment will not be triggered. However, the requirements for public participation under Aarhus still apply. I am looking for an explanation as to how section 66(4) covers the requirements for public participation that are necessary under Aarhus when, in fact, an SEA may not be triggered.