Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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I too want to know why the Minister is proposing the word "expedient" here, given its definition include actions and behaviours that are immoral and improper. Why is that appropriate language to be putting in a planning Bill, given how seriously we all take planning?

This section centralises control with the Minister. It gives him or her particular powers. I am very concerned at the lack of any safeguards around that and the lack of curtailments around those centralised powers. The word "expedient" has the opposite effect of a safeguard or curtailment. It gives a very broad justification for the Minister to use these regulations. I almost cannot think of a worse word to put in. We are seeking to delete the word. Will the Minister of State explain why he thinks "expedient" is good language? Why does the Minister need such sweeping powers to be expanded, through the use of such language, rather than curtailed? It would be very useful.