Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Crowe's intention is no doubt to increase output from Part V and substantially increase the delivery of units. With respect, however, this is not the way to ensure that Part V reaches optimum delivery. The Bill aims to achieve this by reverting to a framework clearly identified as inflexible and a hindrance to optimum delivery. While I do not believe this is what is intended, I am under no illusion that this is exactly what would happen if this Bill were passed.

Some people believe that the introduction of the additional options contained in the 2002 amendment have somehow watered down or diminished the effectiveness of Part V. I have already referred to the phrase "letting developers off the hook". No one has been let off any hook. Nothing has been watered down; if anything, Part V has been strengthened. The additional options provided to secure Part V agreements are not a let-off, or a get out of jail free card, as some have suggested, or an escape from responsibility.

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