Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. The reply is helpful and there is a great deal of information in it. I am pleased because at least we now know that after two years the working group has met on five occasions. I do not have the dates but that will be my follow-on question at a later date.

Clearly, the problem goes on. We still have councils telling their elected members that they cannot make certain planning decisions because the question of the Flemish decree has not been officially completed or dealt with and remains an outstanding case in respect to Ireland. That has to be of concern.

I wish to reiterate that I believe in and support the vibrancy and idea of revitalising some of our rural communities for people who wish to remain in rural communities and live outside cities. Certainly, we have to do this in a responsible and environmentally friendly way. I know the Minister of State appreciates where I am coming from in that regard.

I thank the Minister of State for his response. There is ongoing work and it may be helpful to collaborate. I am a member of the Joint Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government. There is sufficient meat on all of this for me to take the matter there, but I thank the Minister of State for coming in and going through this issue with me today.