Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

The Minister has set out the reasons the State must be in a position to build prisons without having to enter the lottery that is the planning process. This provision is a major step in introducing checks and balances not in place heretofore. I am dubious on the difference between an environmental impact assessment or statement. From my experience, a statement's contents often depend on who is paying the assessor. It can be done for or against the development. I have serious questions about the merits of assessments. While they might identify areas that need to be examined and be a basis for debate, I am not confident in their qualitative merits.

While I appreciate the Minister cannot go into the planning process with local authorities and An Bord Pleanála, the Bill requires the Minister to give notice of the development to the planning authority. I would prefer if the role of the local authority was strengthened by providing for its opinions on such a development to carry significant weight. It would not be a veto but would allow a local authority to have influence on aspects and attached conditions of a development. Local authorities have an important function to play in the overall development of an area.