Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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I will offer last comments on these amendments. I agree with both Deputies regarding the IPI. It is a hugely valuable contributor to our planning system. It is highly regarded and respected by Government. There has been significant engagement with the IPI. There have been quite a number of meetings with officials, so the IPI was very much an active participant in the process of developing this Bill.

In terms of the Aarhus Convention generally, the Bill has been drafted to ensure full compliance with the convention. Public participation takes place at many different levels, probably most critically at development plan level. It is of huge value, particularly to environmental organisations, but also to the wider public. Perhaps in the past it was not always done and there were box-tick consultations. Active participation in our planning system is something we all want to strive towards. It should be the default.

I have given a commitment that my officials are happy to engage with the committee on how the regulations would be updated once this Bill is enacted. I hope this commitment is useful to the members.