Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Cummins. As all members have asked questions, I will put some questions. It makes sense to bring the three organisations in question together like this.

Combining the land identification and mapping skills of Ordnance Survey Ireland with the building identification skills and knowledge that exist within the Property Registration Authority and the Valuation Office makes a great amount of sense as regards efficiencies. An issue I have often come across is that it can sometimes be difficult to identify the owner of a building, even for simple requests regarding dereliction or other issues. You can end up going around in circles trying to find the owner of land or a building. If this leads to efficiencies, it is to be welcomed.

I have a question regarding the location in Smithfield where the three agencies are to be brought together. I know 900 members of staff are involved so they probably will not all be in there. That in itself will bring efficiencies. We have been back in Leinster House in recent days and weeks and people meeting one another in person rather than meeting online or being in separate buildings or locations also brings about efficiencies. The three organisations, in some shape or form, will be located in Smithfield.

On the make-up of the board, head 10 says that six ordinary members will be appointed by the Minister. Is it expected that those appointments would require some kind of experience or expertise in the area of land identification or property registration or valuation?