Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to speak in support of the amendment but I want to hear what the Minister of State has to say first. There was an expectation that the Houses of the Oireachtas would approve the national planning framework. I want to say from the outset that I am supportive of the framework in total. It is an amazing and positive document. I have attended two conferences where I have seen the Minister of State's officials, whom I compliment, give presentations on this to local elected members. They had a really good engagement and conversation. They were the two most important sessions at these councillors' conferences that I have attended in the past few years. It is important to acknowledge the work of the Minister of State's officials. I want that to go back to them. They are on top of it and fully understand it.

This is a plan, like Rebuilding Ireland. It is a good thing for people to commit to a plan and set down objectives. We all want prosperity and for our country to be developed and planned in a proper and sustainable way. We all want to bring the economic benefits across the island of Ireland. It is a good document. In the absence of anything else, it is exceptionally good. However, I do think there was a genuine expectation. It might be helpful if the Minister of State could share with us whether he has seen the legal advice provided to the joint Oireachtas committee. He may be aware of it and may or may not have seen it. He might comment on it if he wishes. I think it is appropriate to comment. He might also state whether the Department and Government sought advice on it. They had a very impressive launch down in Sligo and I know they were keen to get on with it. The Minister of State is also keen to get on with this legislation. I do not think there is any point in revisiting history but there are lessons to be learned on all sides about how this expectation came about and why it did not happen. The Minister of State might share with us his knowledge on these question if that is appropriate.