31P.—(1) The functions of the Office are—

(a) to evaluate and assess—

(i) development plans, including draft development plans,

(ii) variations of development plans, including proposed variations,

(iii) local area plans, including the amendment or revocation of such plans, and

(iv) regional spatial and economic strategies,

during their preparation and making under Chapters I to III of Part II in order for the Office to provide observations and recommendations to planning authorities and regional assemblies, as appropriate, on those plans and strategies,

(b) in respect of any plan or strategy to which paragraph (a) relates, to inform the Minister if, in the opinion of the Office, any such plan or strategy is not consistent with its observations and recommendations, especially where, in its opinion, failure to be so consistent would affect the overall strategy for proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned,

(c) to conduct research, including research at the request of the Minister, as to what constitutes proper planning and sustainable development,

(d) to conduct education and training programmes and research as provided for by section 31Q,

(e) to conduct reviews under Chapter IV of the performance by the Board and by planning authorities of their respective functions,

(f) to oversee the delivery of effective planning services to the public by planning authorities including having regard to—

(i) any relevant indicator (within the meaning of Part 12A of the Local Government Act 2001) identified by the National Oversight and Audit Commission or prescribed by the Minister under section 126C(1) of that Act, or

(ii) regulations made by the Minister under section 134A(7) of the Local Government Act 2001,

(g) to prepare an annual report in accordance with section 31AH on the performance of its own functions,

(h) to prepare a strategy statement for the Office in accordance with section 31T,

(i) to make such observations as it considers appropriate to the Minister, or in its annual reports or otherwise, in relation to planning legislation, including:

(i) development plans, local area plans and regional spatial and economic strategies under Part II;

(ii) guidelines under section 28;

(iii) directions under section 31;

(iv) codes of conduct under section 31AL; and

(v) in so far as relates to planning matters to which paragraph (f) relates,

and

(j) to evaluate and assess strategic transport plans made by the National Transport Authority in accordance with section 12 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and to issue a notice as provided for by subsection (10) of that section.

(2) (a) The Minister may, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, by order confer on the Office such additional functions connected with the functions for the time being of the Office as the Minister determines, subject to such conditions (if any) as may be specified in the order.

(b) An order under paragraph (a) may contain such incidental, supplementary and additional provisions as may, in the opinion of the Minister, be necessary to give full effect to the order.

(3) In performing its functions, the Office shall take account of the objective of contributing to proper planning and sustainable development and the optimal functioning of planning under the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2018.]