Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I regretted the loss of the word "independent" in previous amendments in terms of the review, given the importance of an independent review. I recognise the solid work that has been done on the Government's amendment. For example, paragraph (c) sets out the kinds of material that should be available to councillors when discussing applications. As someone who is not a former councillor but who lives in an area and likes to know what is happening in my local council, I regret the loss of that word in this context.

The Minister of State has said that this will be a superseding provision. I would love it if there could be a supplementary amendment to the amendment that was agreed by the Government on Committee Stage to allow for a formal council meeting that is publicly webcast. As a normal citizen in a community, I will not necessarily have access to minutes. If I do, it will be after a considerable delay. It will not be an option for me to watch what my local representatives are debating and to use that to inform any engagement that I might wish to have around a development. There is a time lag for the ordinary citizen, in that people will not be able to see what their local councillors are proposing. Given the fast-track nature of the planning process, will the Minister of State address this concern and accommodate in the amendment that was agreed the practical proposals that have been made? Public visibility and accountability are not just about what is on the record. Timely access for local constituents to information on what is being debated is an issue. I say this as someone who would like to know what is happening in local councils.