Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)

Regarding amendment No. 3, it is logical to have regard to proper planning and sustainable development as expressed in Government policy. In that context, we should remember that Government policy is becoming more sustainable. The Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, published by Deputy Gormley, sets out a number of provisions to support economic renewal and sustainable development. This amendment reflects changes on the ground happening in Government policy. In order to make a variation to a development plan, the new Bill requires a two thirds majority of members rather than a simple majority. This is to ensure that proposals cannot be steamrolled. We remember the days when my colleague, Deputy Sargent, was trampled upon for waving a £100 cheque. We still have the cheque as a trophy in our office.

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