Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

One must establish and grade the significance, since not everything is important, and we must realise that. However, I am totally opposed to the very severe powers the Minister gives himself in section 14 of this Bill, particularly regarding consultation. For instance, I would have no difficulty if it were the Minister with responsibility for culture who had the ultimate power to make such decisions. At least his position would give him a totally different perspective from the Minister responsible for industry and environmental development. If the Minister responsible for culture were to make the final decision, it would often be a good one. However, giving the ultimate power to a Minister whose sole responsibility it is to push through the roads building programme is a conflict that must be recognised.