Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 121: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the provision of housing for rural dwellers on family lands is proceeding in accordance with his preferred options, with particular reference to his views on the dominant influence of An Taisce in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11630/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has had discussions with An Taisce in regard to rural housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11631/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if applications for planning permission in rural areas by rural dwellers are being treated in accordance with his expressed wishes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11632/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 to 123, inclusive, together.

The national spatial strategy, NSS, addresses many of my concerns on issues such as rural housing. The rural settlement policy framework contained in the NSS, which represents overall Government policy on rural housing, aims to sustain and renew established rural communities while strengthening the structure of villages and smaller settlements to support local economies. In this way it seeks to ensure key assets in rural areas are protected to support quality of life and that rural settlement policies are responsive to the local circumstances of different areas.

The guidelines for planning authorities on sustainable rural housing, published by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, provide a more detailed framework for planners, based on the national spatial strategy's recommendations on rural housing policy. The guidelines reflect my view that rural housing within the confines of good planning practice is needed. These guidelines are important in ensuring clarity and consistency in the implementation by planning authorities of Government policy on rural housing.

While my Department does not monitor or maintain statistics in regard to rural planning applications, I am advised by my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government that, in general, the guidelines referred to are operating satisfactorily. I advised the Deputy previously that I have not had any formal discussions or meeting with An Taisce and that remains the position.