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

I am not sure whether procedures allow us to recommit. If they do, I would have no objection. We could then have a discussion - there is probably a timeline for after this Stage's conclusion - on this and tease through the benefits of our strategy and what we are trying to do. If people wanted to table amendments in that context, it would be up to them. I am unsure as to whether we can formally recommit, but it might help Members to tease out what we are doing.

I am happy to relay Senator Humphreys's concerns, but there are no concerns. This measure sets out the process that mirrors the national planning framework. We all agreed with the consultation, but we did not like the end product in terms of the draft, who votes on the final document, etc. We will never agree on that. This measure is not hidden away. I am not saying that it will be removed, as it is firmly there in black and white.

The remainder sets out the same process that we undertook with the national planning framework. We are trying to follow that. Most people agree it was a good process and those who wanted to participate felt involved, but if only five people attend a meeting that we advertise in the local media, newspapers, Twitter, Facebook and so on, what can we do? I am happy to take a list of people whom the Senator wants to invite to these meetings and to go to their neighbourhoods where possible, but we cannot drag them to meetings. We want them to be involved. That will be ensured.

I have no problem with appearing before the committee to discuss this during the gap, but I cannot agree to a full Committee Stage because we need to get on with the Bill, which has been sitting around for a long time. If that would alleviate the Senator's concerns, I will commit to it.