Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputies for their contributions and I will deal with some of the points. Other points will be raised as amendments during the course of the debate. Deputy Niall Collins spoke about hospital infrastructure, and rightly pointed out projects involving 100 or more beds will have to go to the board. Smaller projects will go through the normal planning process. He also raised the definition of "sufficient interest" and this is the level of interest which applicants must have in a case for all other judicial review cases. This amendment means the planning code will have the same requirements as the Aarhus convention.

It is a less onerous requirement for individuals who seek a judicial review of planning decisions if they are approved. We are not doing anything on sterilisation. It is just a matter for the planning authorities as is normal to implement the rural planning guidelines and no change is suggested.

Deputies Catherine Murphy and Stanley asked about place name provisions. The new provisions I am introducing will devolve full responsibility for this issue to local authorities.

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