Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The answer to the Deputy’s first question is that the OPR is a professional independent body and it operates to the highest standards. That is absolutely true in my interaction with it. Within the legislation, there are two elements. In section 37(12) it states, “a copy of the recommendation and a report sent to the Minister ... and any submissions”. Therefore, that must include all submissions. In the amendments we are tabling, take, for instance, amendment No. 294 in terms of the RSES. It states, “in the summary of submissions”. The OPR will be obliged under legislation to provide a summary of all submissions. It is a very professional, comprehensive body that does detailed reports.

The Deputy referenced that we will provide areas like the priority areas and the co-ordinated area plans in terms of, we will say, more granular consultation. We will provide that by way of regulation.

Regarding the development plan priority area plans, it is in section 62 of the Bill by way of example. It is provided. To be all-encompassing, we will provide it by way of regulation as well.