Mr. Kevin Kelly:

I will answer that last question first and then I will bring in Ms Henchy on the resourcing issue and practice. I will have to look back at the circulars again and what the Minister and the Department have stated regarding the involvement of elected members. My understanding was that it was suggested that it was not possible to have any scenario where there was a briefing of the members on individual planning applications that were going to be determined by the planning authority. However, if there is a suggestion that an opportunity exists for something different, then I certainly will review the correspondence I have received to date. I am not aware of any exercise that has been carried out regarding the resourcing requirements and changes in that regard, but I ask Ms Henchy to comment on this matter based on her direct experience of dealing with the SHD process.