Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

On my amendment No. 1 to amendment No. 597, I would welcome more clarity from the Minister on the definition of "statutory undertaker". This is a significant section in the context of State authority development emergency orders effectively allowing for emergency works. I am not exactly clear on the significance of that wording. If the Minister could provide an explanation, it would be very useful.

On my amendment No. 1 to amendment No. 13, which has been referenced, this is a key point. It is not just in rural areas; it can happen in urban areas as well where a local publication is being circulated in an area but where the level of that circulation is very low, and where the publication in question is predominantly being circulated in a neighbouring area. Some I know of in particular communities may sell three, five, ten or whatever number of copies. They have very low circulations. The wording in the legislation allows for the notice to go into those publications whereas the level of circulation and the level of accessibility to it, whether it is a print edition or online or both, is highly relevant.

I heard what the Minister said about not liking the wording in our amendment. The Minister could bring forward his own wording to correct this in the Seanad if he accepts the principle that we need some sort of definition in respect of levels of circulation or accessibility. It is not simply good enough just for this to be in a publication online or in print that has some level of circulation in the area. Again, there have been real live examples of problems on this in terms of notices in areas with regard to foreshore licences in Inishowen and elsewhere. I ask the Minister to examine and address that point.

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