Mr. Seamus McCarthy:

Under the Planning and Development Acts, An Bord Pleanála is responsible for the determination of appeals of local authority planning decisions, and for the determination of direct planning applications for strategic housing and infrastructure development. The board also has responsibility for dealing with proposals for the compulsory acquisition of land by public authorities and with determining appeals under the Water Pollution and Building Control Acts.

The board's income in 2019 totalled €28 million. Just over €6 million, or 23%, was comprised of fee receipts. Grant funding issued from the Vote for housing, planning and local government amounted to €18.6 million in 2019. Expenditure on salaries and related costs amounted to €16.2 million, representing approximately two thirds of the board's expenditure in 2019. Expenditure on legal fees amounted to €3.4 million. The balance of expenditure of €5.4 million related to premises and other operating expenses. The surplus for the year was €2.8 million.

I certified the 2019 financial statements on 12 June 2020 and issued a clear audit opinion.