I welcome that positive news. However, I stay guarded in my welcome because the LDA was set up on a non-statutory basis over four years ago and the first job it had to do was carry out an audit. Over four years later we do not have the audit. It has been on a statutory basis for over a year and we still do not have the audit. I welcome the audit and if the Minister is saying we will have it by the end of the year that is positive. We need that; it is the most basic tool and we have a housing crisis. As I listen to …

I find it a little reassuring that we will be focusing on brownfield sites. I worry, however, about recreational land. I hear what the Minister is saying, but I have seen previous moves to change this designation. Many times these have come about via motions from councillors. This is still being done in Galway, where land is still being rezoned. This is one aspect of the matter. I think of Merlin Park Woods and the huge battle to save it. This is the equivalent of the park in New York, which started out at 800 acre…

Baineann mo cheist leis na treoracha pleanála do na ceantair Ghaeltachta. Táimid ag fanacht orthu le fada an lá. Ba mhaith liom soiléiriú a fháil maidir le stádas na dtreoracha sin. I seek clarification about the promised section 28 guidelines for planning in Gaeltacht areas. I did not hear the answer to the previous question but I am sure the two overlap. I am looking for clarity about these guidelines, which we were promised a long time ago.

Guidelines were originally due to be completed by the end of 2021, then in 2022, and now we are coming into 2023. Tuairisc.ie and the Irish-language committee, chaired by Deputy Ó Snodaigh, has covered this. We produced a report and made specific recommendations. It has been raised by every delegation that has come before our committee and when we have travelled the country. I am utterly confused at this stage. We will have section 28 planning guidelines for the Gaeltacht areas and guidelines for rural areas. Are t…

Cuireann sin deireadh lenár suí speisialta den Dáil agus den Seanad. Gabhaimid buíochas leis an Uachtarán von der Leyen.

Given the climate emergency, I have no difficulty with the importance of strategic environmental assessments and so on. That goes without saying but we are not at that point. We do not have planning guidelines. The delay has been on the part of many Governments. We are waiting for the planning guidelines. The people coming before us are not exaggerating. Everyone knows there is a problem with housing in Gaeltacht areas. It has huge significance for the Irish language. Without a sustainable way of living in houses, …

Is that process ongoing?

In January.

The Deputy who tabled the next question is not here. If a Deputy is delayed, we will go back and take the question when they arrive.

The Deputy is over time. I call an tAire to respond.

Cuireann sin deireadh lenár suí speisialta den Dáil agus den Seanad. Gabhaimid buíochas leis an Uachtarán von der Leyen.

I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 37 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - to discuss the proposed closure of a GP surgery in County Cork and efforts to find a replacement GP.Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor - to discuss the progress and timeline for provision of grant support for a library.Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan - to discuss the special needs assistant, SNA, allocation for a national school. Deput…

Before the Taoiseach responds, we are out of time and we have three speakers left. Again, I ask Members for their co-operation and we will take the four questions together.

Let us see if it is a point of order.

That is not a point of order. The Deputy is entitled to raise the matter but what is he asking?

No, we will not go into a discussion.

The Deputy is asking for the comments to be withdrawn.

Thank you, Deputy. We are not having a debate.

I have shown some flexibility on this. The Deputy has raised it-----

Thank you.