Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 464: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are only four members at present of An Bord Pleanála, when there should be nine, and as few as two members may make a decision which means that major projects as well as individual persons planning issues could potentially be dealt with by only two persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8261/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The statutory process of filling a number of the current vacancies on the Board is now underway and I expect to be in a position to make appointments shortly. When appointing new Board members I will be taking account of the balance of skill sets and expertise required for the effective discharge of An Bord Pleanála's complex and wide ranging functions. Under section 108 of the Planning and Development Acts 2010, the reduced quorum of two Board members may not adjudicate on strategic infrastructure cases.