Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Following on from Deputy Sherlock's wonderful contribution, and the filing system since 2018, I have mentioned timelines and the lack of them in the context of files. I spoke to a senior planner from a local authority some time ago and I went through what actually happens in that context. The local authorities' files are broken into eight parts. They do environmental impact studies and environmental impact assessments, and they are all tied in together. They have timelines in place for the provision of further information and they are legislatively required to stick to them. The system puts exceptional pressure on the local authorities, but they must respond. Does the Minister of State believe we need to have similar legislation to put exceptional pressure on the Department to respond? I refer to ensuring that a case like that mentioned so eloquently by Deputy Sherlock could never happen again.