John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

That will be set out in the White Paper. The Government is considering all matters. As laid out in the programme for Government, we want to strengthen the strategic role and functions of regional authorities in planning, transport, water and waste management. Regional authorities should reflect the gateways in the national spatial strategy. There should also be democratic leadership in order that they can take a critical role in establishing and co-ordinating the new planning regime.

See this speech in context