Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

I have tabled amendments Nos. 29, 40 and 41. Amendment No. 29 is similar to Deputy Gregory's No. 28 in that it seeks to ensure local residents would be consulted about the strategic plan. Amendments Nos. 40 and 41 also relate to the strategic plan. Amendment No. 40 seeks to amend section 11(3) in order that when the agency is preparing a draft of the strategic plan, it would have to "consult with the strategic plans of local organisations that are concerned with the economic, social or other development (including employment, education and training) and the strategic plans of local community development organisations". Amendment No. 41 would compel the agency to consult "local residents".

It is important that the strategic plans of local organisations are taken into account when the agency's strategic plan is being developed. If local plans which involve the locality in question are in place, they should be taken into account when the agency's strategic plan for the site is being drawn up. The amendments are self-explanatory. I would like to hear the Minister's comments on the need to consult agencies such as the inner city partnership when strategic plans are being developed.

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