Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)

I also welcome the comments by the Minister of State. I agree with my colleague Senator Glynn about locally elected members retaining their powers. The provision whereby a majority of two thirds would be required even for a minor amendment to a draft development plan is serious, as my colleagues on the Opposition side have pointed out. Contained within the section is a reference to the regional planning authorities, which are to be given more power in this Bill, including policing power. The authorities are to propose special strategies but the special strategy is now under review. It is a case of giving power to the regional authorities before knowing the exact policing powers they will have. This is putting the cart before the House. The Minister of State should consider this.

There are powers vested in the regional authorities at present. However, in a recent High Court challenge it was clarified that they could make guidelines but that the guidelines are for consideration only and can be ignored by the local authority, councillors and county manager if there is sufficient reason for doing so. There is often sufficient reason. Who knows better how to plan and develop a county than those democratically elected to do so? Reference was made to there being too many quangos. The regional authorities are another form of quango. This issue was raised with me by Councillor P. J. Kelly and I will pass the information on to the Minister of State for his consideration.