Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We do not want to be overly prescriptive with regard to what the planners do. We need to ensure when we are bringing back planning to local government that we allow them to operate and make the decisions. The amendment relates to the definitions section of the Bill. I do not believe inserting an obligation on planning authorities in the definitions section is appropriate and the amendment does not provide for how and when such consultation would take place.

In respect of amendment No. 10, educational facilities, developments and consultation with educational institutions, student bodies and elected members of the planning authority, again we discussed this in some detail the last time.As part of a normal two-stage planning process, we believe that would be the time for submissions to be made where people are concerned by an application, or are positive or negative about it, and that they would do that by way of a submission. Again, both of these were discussed at some length on Committee Stage. I have not changed my view on them and I will oppose the amendments.