Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I will make a closing contribution. I will not make any further contributions because I want to try to progress this before the 6 p.m. break.

On the critical points about the OPR, I must question the consistent running down of or misunderstanding about the role of the OPR. I have outlined it here this afternoon. There is, as Senator Boyhan mentioned, a scheduled periodic critical review of the OPR that happens after five years of existence. That has just commenced. The OPR has no role in rural housing.

In relation to the national planning statements, NPS, in the Bill and the issue of public engagement, this replaces section 28 guidelines, which are ministerial but do not have a mandatory consultation or any consultation provision. The national planning statements will have Government approval. We have outlined, in section 26, considerations for issuance of national planning statements, that the Minister shall have regard to this. The two issues mentioned by Senator Higgins, in relation to climate action and separately in relation to biodiversity, are addressed in section 26(1)(p) and (q). The consultation provisions are there.

Senator Higgins asked the question as to what is sustainable development. My understanding of it was always from the Brundtland Commission, the 1972 definition, that is, development which meets the needs of present generations and does not compromise the needs of future generations to meet their own needs. That was the classic definition of sustainable development. That has been refined and altered over the years. It was of its time. In planning terms, it is defined. Proper planning and sustainable development of an area is a clear definition in planning terms.

Previously, we discussed the sustainable development goals and cross-Government reporting on all 17 of the SDGs as well.

To conclude on the points on rural housing, the Attorney General's office is deliberating on that.

In response to Senator Chambers about water quality, there is a need for well-water testing. Many septic tanks in the country are not working properly and they are a threat to groundwater and water quality generally.

I agree with the point that local needs are critically important but infrastructure is hugely important. The point raised by Senator Malcolm Byrne around water and wastewater infrastructure in the rural towns and village to allow them to expand is significant because there are thousands of good houses and properties in towns and villages across the country that could be reused for families.

Senator Flynn raised the issue of temporary bays through the Traveller accommodation programme. Again, that is a local issue. As I stated earlier, the LTACCs need to engage in a meaningful way with the Traveller community. Generally, my understanding is that if there is a local need for temporary bays when families like to go travelling during the summer months, they should be provided for. That is not always the case. It is something that is part of Traveller heritage and Traveller culture. The right to be able to travel and to be able to go out travelling during the summer months, as many families like to do, should exist.

I think that has addressed all of the points that have been raised in this round by Senators.