Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State's clarification to the effect that the guidelines will be introduced in the new year and that there will be a public consultation process thereon. However, will they constitute a fait accompli? Although there will be public consultation on the guidelines, there is no reference to their being amended. Local authorities will have an input in them and they will be discussed by regional authorities and various stakeholders.

Let us be fair and frank. These regional guidelines will have a considerable input in county development plans and local area plans. They will form the kernel of every local authority plan. Can they be amended following a public consultation process? For what length of time will they be on public display? When the Government issues guidelines, they are law, a fait accompli. In this instance, there will be public consultation on the guidelines, but we know they must be taken into consideration in every plan that is tabled.