Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Generally, specific skills are required. The chair of the board has specifically said that she would like the candidates for these positions to have an architectural and engineering background. The most recent appointee was Michelle Fagan, who I believe has an architectural background. There are five panels. The candidates are nominated. The Minister chooses from those and it makes the appointments process correct; they are ministerial appointments. It is hoped that if the Houses clear this on Thursday, the Minister should be able to work from the existing list of nominated people, so we will not have to waste any time.

Regarding Deputy Ó Broin's point, housing developments in general are being prioritised by An Bord Pleanála. There is an agreement that priority is given to all housing developments, regardless of their size.