Seanad debates

Thursday, 2 December 2021

Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters

Planning Issues

10:30 am

Photo of Victor BoyhanVictor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and take three key points away from his response. I agree with him in terms of Aarhus being such an important piece of legislation. It is a tool to assist people in the context of their environmental, planning and sustainable development rights, and advocacy. I am particularly happy that he is very much part of this. I never doubted that for one minute. I also take away that it is a primary issue for the Department of Justice. There is an overlap between the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Justice in the reform of the courts system. I note it is on track. Time is against us in terms of legislative time. It is important that it is happening and that key messages are communicated about this issue. This is not about coming the heavy on citizens. This is about supporting people. It is about tightening the timeframes, which is fair enough. It is about ironing out some of the difficulties. This is a roadmap so that people will have their voices heard. I am particularly pleased, happy and confident that the Minister of State is in the mix in keeping an eye on this really important legislation. I thank him for his time.

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