Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

Until several years ago the dual mandate was in place and provided a direct link between both Houses of the Oireachtas and local authorities. As Senator Coffey pointed out, this Bill very much involves the national spatial strategy. His amendment provides an ideal opportunity to have a link between local authorities' involvement with the strategy and the national Parliament. Such a link would assist local authority members who have a direct input in the adoption of county development plans and how they pan out with the national spatial strategy. While I accept the strategy is Government policy, there are other provisions in the legislation that affect other Government policies. Senator Coffey has put his finger on it, the need for Oireachtas Members to have a role in the strategy and provide a link between local government and the national Parliament on it. This is a good and worthwhile amendment.