Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

The planning process is a formal legal process containing a great deal of legislation. I do not think Government could, even if it so wished, direct that should be set aside. The Senator alluded to inconsistencies in how different local authorities reach decisions. This may be due to different development plans but the Government does not tend to issue instructions in this regard. Interfering with the planning process would require primary legislation, though I understand the Senator's point and will relay it to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, who is responsible for planning issues.