Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will try to answer most of those questions, working backwards. I disagree with Senator Gavan that this is not workable. I have been involved in the process and it has worked. It happens regularly. It certainly did when I was a councillor. I am referring to strategic development zones and councils making submissions to An Bord Pleanála hearings. In my years in politics, everything has been workable when officials want to do something.

Contrary to the opinions expressed, councillors want this amendment. I have been engaging with them at council meetings for the past seven or eight weeks. The intention was always that this would happen, although it was never explicitly said. That is what caused many of the concerns last week. Many of the councillors of all parties whom I have met would welcome this involvement. It is kind of the standard procedure for any sane chief executive who has the time to do it because bringing everyone with him or her works out best for the process.

The amendment, which sets out the procedure clearly, follows on from Senator Boyhan's Committee Stage amendment. We decided to go a bit further and strengthen the process as well as the democracy of same. I am surprised by the reaction. To us, this is a positive amendment and is not meant to be negative. The meetings in question are public and can be webcast.