John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the Deputies' comments on the inclusion of this matter. In my years in the Oireachtas, it has not been uncommon for amendments to be made to subsequent legislation from the same Department after situations have been discovered. That is what is happening in this case. I acknowledge that this is a long amendment, but that is due more to the technical nature of what we are discussing than to anything else. My officials and I will endeavour to ensure that such situations are kept to a minimum.

Regarding the points raised by Deputies Ó Broin, Jan O'Sullivan and McGuinness about the Office of the Planning Regulator, OPR, I fully subscribe to the view outlined by Deputy O'Sullivan that the final political decision lies at the Minister's door. The Minister must lay before the House the reasons, but it is just that.

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