Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 542: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that local authorities are honouring the commitment given by his predecessor to the effect that Oireachtas Members would in the future continue to receive full co-operation and equal treatment by the local authorities after the abolition of the dual mandate; if the local authorities have agreed to operate the revised planning guidelines in accordance with his instructions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17958/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is at present gathering information from local authorities on the practical application of the arrangements for the supply of specified information to Oireachtas members under the Local Government Act 2001 (Section 237A) Regulations 2003. Based on the information received so far, I understand that local authorities are, for the most part, complying with these arrangements. I intend, however, when the review is complete, to issue any necessary supplementary guidance to local authorities taking account of their responses.

Under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála must have regard to Ministerial planning guidelines in the performance of their functions. I and my Department regularly engage with planning authorities on the implementation of planning guidelines, including through briefing sessions for local authority officials, and by commenting on draft development plans.