Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I wish to return to an issue that I raised previously. In his opening statement, Mr. Reynolds said that the process for changing internal use in Ireland cost more than €10,000 in the form of fees, permissions, fire certificates and so on and took nearly half a year whereas the process in the UK for a similar internal change of use involved a fee of £695 and only took ten days. That is a stark contrast. From speaking to people involved in turning unused office accommodation into much-needed residential accommodation, I know how frustrated they find this process.

The departmental officials said it was their view that the streamlined processes advocated by Mr. Reynolds, Ms Orla Hegarty and Dr. Lorcan Sirr would transfer extra risk to the State, including the local authorities undertaking them. I wish to explore that point. Is there evidence for this view? How has it been arrived at? Will the officials elaborate?