Mr. Brendan Allen:

I will try to keep my answers brief. We were asked to respond on three issues - the need for an appropriate environmental impact assessment, EIA, compliance and the research we have carried out. The Department has responded on the EIA issue. Generally, we welcome the proposal on EIA screening on the basis that it will provide a greater degree of certainty for developers in knowing what documents they will need to provide and that it will reduce the risk of applications being subject to judicial review. I presume from the legislation this will apply across the board to all developments, not just housing developments.

Mr. Spain will respond on the issue of compliance, while Mr. O'Leary will respond on the research we have carried out.