Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State. In fairness, he is putting his own interpretation on some of this. He spoke about the lower of the CSO figures, and I welcome what he said in that regard. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, would seem to suggest there is no movement away from the higher figures.

I also welcome his statement that there will be public consultation on the regional guidelines. When these guidelines are to be published, it should be well flagged and the local authorities should be notified. I hope the Houses of the Oireachtas get an opportunity to discuss those regional guidelines before their final adoption. Whether we like it or not, from the Minister's viewpoint, these regional guidelines will be the kernel of formulating area and county development plans. These guidelines are important and will require much debate. I hope this House will get a chance to debate them when they are published.