Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)

I move amendment No. 13:

In page 15, to delete lines 44 to 47 and in page 16, to delete lines 1 to 3 and

substitute the following:

"(bb) indicate that children, or groups or associations representing the interests of children, are entitled to make submissions or observations under paragraph (b),

(bc) state that the planning authority intends to review the zoning of the area of the development plan for the purposes referred to in subsection (1A)(a) and (b) and indicate that requests or proposals for zoning of particular land for any purpose shall not be considered at this stage.",".

Amendment No. 13 proposes to ensure that the notification issued by a planning authority regarding the preparation of a draft development plan will indicate that children, or groups or associations representing the interests of children, are entitled to make submissions or observations. I have held the view for a long time that because those aged under 18 do not have the franchise we often tend to overlook their needs which are often different from those of older people. In the kinds of discussions one has in council chambers, as I did in the 12 years I was a councillor, we tended to see young adults or older children as a problem to get rid off rather than as a social challenge for whom to provide. Whether in the type of parks we create or in the provision of safe routes to school, we need to look long and hard within the development plan process at how we can best incorporate the needs of children.

I mentioned this matter shortly after my appointment and I am glad to incorporate this in the Bill.

See this speech in context