Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ar an gcéad dul síos, freagróidh mé ceisteanna an Teachta Ó Snodaigh faoin gcreat náisiúnta pleanála. Cuirtear gach dréachtchreat náisiúnta pleanála os comhair an phobail chun a chuid tuairimí a fháil. Tá sé sin scríofa ar leathanach 66 den Bhille freisin. On public consultation, we have been very clear that we will engage with stakeholders extensively on every draft plan. It is as broad as could possibly be and everything is listed on page 67 of the Bill.

Let me answer a couple of questions in the short time I have. There is no democratic deficit here whatsoever. The Deputies are elected by the people and the Dáil elects the Government. Deputy Ó Broin knows this. We have advised before that the Minister has delegated responsibility for the higher policy area. In the case of the national planning framework, a Minister would, after public consultation, including on the part of the joint Oireachtas committee, bring the policy to the Government for a decision. No other policy area goes to the Government in this way for approval. It is very important that the national planning framework align with the national development plan and such plans and that it be decided upon by the Government. We had a long discussion on national planning statements. We try to streamline policy delivery. There are some opposite who said they actually want that. When we consider changing guidelines regarding national policy statements, it is also regarded as incorrect. We are doing what we are doing to have a streamlined, effective planning system that is efficient and transparent and gives certainty on the delivery of the infrastructure and homes we need.

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