Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I noted the Minister's response to my last point and can see that he does not want to make a distinction between objectors, but in respect of those the Bill puts on notice, while the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government might have a general remit in respect of overall development of the country he or she would not have the specific remit applying to a local authority. The same is true of the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Certain members of the public, or groups, may go to a lot of trouble, professionally and so on.

I was not canvassing the point that a local authority could object absolutely and follow the populist line that it does not want the prison in its area. That will not carry weight. The overall decision rests with the Minister but this section does not recognise that the local authorities are charged with overall responsibility for the proper planning and development of their areas. There is no overseeing local input into the design of the prison which might help to win support for the project in the area. I hold to the opinion I expressed earlier and I am sure the Minister holds to his.