Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

While section 14 appears innocuous at first glance – it is certainly incomprehensible – the explanatory memorandum is more revealing. It states the section "amends section 262(4) which provides that certain regulations made under the Act are subject to a requirement to get positive approval." I have no reason to disagree with this. However, the memorandum continues: "This amendment would remove the requirement to get positive approval for procedural regulations in relation to development by State authorities, while retaining the requirement that regulations determining the types of development which are approved under that special procedure will be subject to the positive approval requirement." I am concerned by this provision and call on the Minister to explain the reason it is considered necessary.