Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

These amendments give the board the power to seek the opinions of any person or body with relevant views on information in respect of the consultation on a proposed development, particularly the scoping of an environmental impact statement. It is important that the board has the power to look for expertise in areas beyond what is immediately available to it, for example, that of a Department, relevant local authority, designated environmental authority or member of the public. It is intended to be used where the infrastructure provider has entered consultations on whether a proposed development is of strategic importance and where the board feels that other bodies or persons may have views that should be taken into account in determining whether such is the case.

This is the right way to give the board a general power to take the above approach. If we are giving the board the power to make the ultimate decision, it is logical that we give it the power to decide on whom it wishes to consult on the process. The power may also be useful in other cases where the board may wish to elicit views from relevant organisations on whether considerations relating to proper planning, sustainable development or environmental issues have a bearing. The overall objective is to give the board the flexibility it will require in respect of the procedures it must apply.

Amendments Nos. 52 and 53 make the same changes in respect of the consultation processes on electricity transmission lines and gas pipelines. Amendments Nos. 6, 7, 52 and 53 widen the board's discretion to discuss with as broad a range of people as it considers relevant.