Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

That will not change. If we are to be practical about it, what else can be said. There must be a multi-faceted approach to this whole problem.

The guidelines are specific on the issue of protecting water quality. The Minister also stated: "Where sites are to be developed, waste water systems must be designed, installed and monitored to ensure that they operate and continue to operate to the required standards." That is clear and unambiguous.

I could go on, but most of what I would like to say has already been said. Lack of jobs was put forward as one of the reasons for rural decline. However, we are now a very car-orientated society and many people from mine and other towns as far away as Mullingar are driving to Dublin to work. Lack of jobs, therefore, is not a reason in itself. The new focus that has been brought to the improvement of public transport will contribute to the regeneration of rural populations.

Irrespective of what begrudgers might say, in bringing forward these guidelines the Minister has responded to a clear request from local authorities and from Oireachtas Members. They are a step in the right direction. The county development plan is a reserved function of the members of local authorities. Now is the time for every local authority that is a planning authority — not all local authorities are planning authorities — to review their county development plans and stitch into them the clear message that is being given here by the Minister in these recent guidelines.

It is important that the Minister consult. If he did not, the Opposition would say he is a dictator.