Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

We are very much at one on this issue. Senator Quinn rightly referred to the relationship between planning policy and promoting healthy lifestyles. Under existing planning legislation, planning authorities' development plans must include objectives for the integration of the planning and sustainable development of an area, with social, community and cultural requirements for the age of population and the preservation, improvement and extension of recreational amenities. Statutory planning guidelines, such as the guidelines for the planning of authorities on sustainable residential development in urban areas, cities, towns and villages and guidelines for planning authorities on design standards for apartments 2007 have been provided to planning authorities. They reinforce the need for providing adequate open space and recreational facilities, especially for children, and for designing new residential developments which should prioritise cycling and walking and minimise the need for private cars.

The residential development guidelines recommend integrated housing and public transport development which minimise the requirement for car use and for proper footpaths and cycleways to be assessed in new developments. It also recommends direct walking and cycling routes to local facilities such as shops and schools and sets quantitative open space standards for active or passive use within developments. Those guidelines can be accessed through my Department's website.

I believe legislation and guidance exist which provide the framework and tools for planning authorities to make provisions in their development plan policies which positively address obesity and support general healthy well-being for people of all ages. In addition, my Department is represented on the task force on obesity which is under the remit of the Department of Health and Children. It will continue to play a full role in the cross-departmental initiatives in this area.

In the existing legislation, section 48(17) of the Act states there should be provision of open spaces, recreational and community facilities and amenities and landscaping works. The Bill emphasises what is stated already. Regarding the local authority to which Senator Callely referred, it was under the provisions of the existing legislation it was able to do that work.

It is not that I wish to exclude in any way the intent of the amendment. I spoke to Senator Quinn on this matter at lunchtime today and told him of my support for the principle involved but I am conscious of a particular area, namely, a reserve function of local authority members with regard to the disbursement of levies. I wish to let the House know that.