Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It would be useful for Ms Reynolds to return to the committee, perhaps on foot of her first annual report, to make her observations after completing her first year. In regard to the support the committee can provide, we can identify the resources needed and perhaps examine whether the Act should be amended. Everybody would like appeals to be dealt with as quickly as possible, but if the four-month deadline is impracticable, perhaps the committee should recommend an amendment to the Act to reflect the ability of the board. Regardless of the resources it might have at its disposal, four months may be too short and a longer period, with a more definitive obligation, might be advisable. The committee might also consider the practicability of oral hearings and the way in which An Bord Pleanála decides whether to hold oral hearings. Something similar could be considered in the case of the Aquaculture Licenses Appeals Board.

I thank Ms Reynolds for attending. I propose that we inform the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine that we have concluded our discussion with Ms Reynolds and that we forward a copy of the transcript of the proceedings for his information. Is that agreed? Agreed.