Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As I said, the steps required to be taken include the completion of the mapping exercise. I referred to that earlier. The idea is to map out where the areas of need are throughout the country. We are being assisted by NUI Maynooth in this regard. This is a useful mapping exercise which I have seen used in other areas of public policy. The idea is that where we see need across the country, we map it. Then people can get the chance for consultation on the mapping exercise in respect of their own areas and towns. For example, the Deputy will have the opportunity in respect of his constituency and the areas of need he may have identified there. Other colleagues and citizens will have an opportunity to respond as well. We will publish the exercise for public consultation in quarter four of this year. The implementation strategy that arises from all of this will then be published for public consultation in early 2015. I cannot give a specific date but it is my intention that it will be done in early 2015. The consultation is critical to this process. There should be every opportunity for citizens, public representatives and businesses to have an input into the process in order that we get the thing right.

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