Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Will the Minister provide clarification on one of the other amendments? I appreciate the Minister's points. There may be legislation but enforcement and inspection after the fact is an issue. This is an opportunity to provide enforcement and it is important that a signal be sent. Will the Minister comment on our amendment No. 15 to section 9? The Minister may argue the obligations are on builders and developers but what I am asking for relates to when a number of elements have been set out for a decision by the board. For example, these could be an environmental impact assessment, natural impact assessments and consequences for proper planning and sustainable development. There are a few elements there and potential scope to make it explicit for the board in considering these applications. This affects whether we press for a vote. Even if the Minister was not keen to accept our amendment, does he see scope to incorporate the issue at points, for example, where there is consideration of "the likely consequences for proper planning and sustainable development" in an area. Is there scope to incorporate some reference to the rights of persons with disabilities in the State's obligations, the question of universal design or existing legislation? This relates to areas for consideration by the board in its decisions.

We have our proposal for section 9 but it would be very useful for us to know if the Minister is amenable to considering some way to incorporate the issue. There are two pages relating to operation so there is scope to insert this in some shape or form. We are talking about a significant section of the population. It would be consistent with the Government's strategy in this area to find some way to incorporate the issue into the decision process.