Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with many of the comments made earlier about the need to restore public trust in our planning system. We have always prided ourselves on having a transparent planning system with integrity at its heart and we must ensure public confidence is restored as soon as possible. I like the new recruitment process. It will be more open and I quite like the idea of having a good mix of people with different skills and backgrounds. I would be interested in hearing more about it.

Regarding current or retired experts from the planning service at senior level, including those with a background in planning law or local government, will Ms Graham provide a little more information about how these people will be identified or come forward or how it would work? I note head 4 relates to the size and scale of the board. It is important that this legislation looks at that. We are considering other legislation coming down the tracks, for example in higher education, where the numbers on boards are being reduced. Will Ms Graham provide a little more information as to why she believes the larger quorum for decision making and the increase in numbers around that table are important at this time? They are my questions.