James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I concur with Deputy Carthy on the issues concerning An Bord Pleanála that were set out in today's Irish Independent. The disclosure that 105 payments of €10,000 each have been made to, as I understand it from reading today's newspaper, approximately 84 developers is shameful. It is indicative of the state in which the organisation is. The impact that An Bord Pleanála is having on future development is disgraceful. It is holding back a great deal of development, be it housing or key infrastructure that the State has a critical need for, given our growing population. I am hearing about this from every quarter.

In light of Deputy Carthy's comments, it is urgent that An Bord Pleanála appears before us sooner than planned. Is there any space available? If it is possible for us to discuss bringing An Bord Pleanála in at a closer date, it needs to be done quickly. It is becoming clear that the organisation is in total disarray. This situation needs to be dealt with urgently if we as an Oireachtas are serious about wanting to improve it. It needs to be investigated by the Committee of Public Accounts.