Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that these changes to the form and manner of public consultation are necessary to provide alternatives to face-to-face meetings during the pandemic. However, I would like to hear more detail on the Minister's plans to use a wide array of technologies to ensure the greatest possible outreach. Not everyone will have the experience, expertise or technical support to make a written submission. To achieve the highest possible level of participation, I therefore ask the Minister to examine a wide range of options, including holding meetings on platforms which are accessible to the public, such as Microsoft Teams.

I also ask the Department to examine how best to provide all the usual support and assistance to those with impairments or disabilities to enable them to participate fully in whatever form the consultation may take. While a public meeting may need only one or two individuals to provide an Irish Sign Language service, a bit more planning may be needed to ensure these essential aspects of accessibility can be delivered in whatever new format is adopted. The process of proper planning and development must be seen to be open and accountable at all times and not the exclusive preserve of those who already have access to and knowledge of the system.

The Department has said that these measures will also form part of the modernisation of the consultation process. Does this mean that if the format envisaged in the legislation proves to be a success, it may be kept on as a means of involving even more people? How will the Minister judge whether a particular format meets or exceeds the participation threshold of traditional face-to-face meetings? It is important that any benefit from new forms of outreach and participation in the planning and development process are consolidated. There must be a clear process for evaluating this.

The Minister has said he is committed to answering some questions. I have some specific queries. When does he intend to impose the emergency periods outlined in the legislation? Will these periods be time-specific or in line with public health advice, such as measures restricting travel to 5 km or within individual counties during localised lockdowns? Will the emergency periods apply throughout the State or only to specific local authorities at specific times? It appears that the Bill only refers to deadlines to do with planning and control. The Minister's Department deals with many other diverse areas, from quarry licensing to environmental protection. Are there plans to extend deadlines to other areas under the auspices of the Department?

We will absolutely support the legislation. Depending on clarification of the points I have raised, we may introduce amendments on a later Stage. I stress our willingness to co-operate with the Minister. The Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, has articulated the Minister's willingness to engage with us on Seanad reform, which I welcome.