Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

Amendments Nos. 6 and 7 were made to Part 4 of the Bill, which relates to planning provisions. Amendment No. 6 replaces the words "consider only" with the words "take account only of" in section 23(2) of the Bill. This new wording better reflects the role of the rapporteur, which is to receive written submissions and observations and to prepare a report for submission to the Minister, based on the submissions and observations received within the six-week timeframe that is specified in section 21E of the Bill.

Amendment No. 7 inserts an additional subsection in section 26 to provide that when a decision is made to proceed with the development, construction or extension of a prison under Part 4 of the Bill, the Minister shall, under section 26(1), move a draft resolution in both Houses of the Oireachtas seeking approval to proceed with the development. Section 26(2) requires the Minister to ensure that certain documents, which are set out in the legislation, are laid before the Oireachtas in advance of the moving of the draft resolution by him or her. Amendment No. 7 also provides that the Minister may lay a further document, containing his or her observations on any of the documents mentioned in section 26(2), before the Oireachtas before he or she moves the draft resolution. This provision should facilitate and assist the Members of the Oireachtas in their consideration of the draft resolution. It will also give the Minister the right to outline his or her views on the issues raised in the submissions made to the rapporteur.