Mr. Niall Cussen:

I thank the Deputy for the questions. We constantly engage with local authorities on resourcing, as the Deputy is aware. We undertake reviews of the general discharge of planning functions, so we are building up a clear picture. We have completed four reviews and have another series in train. It is the number one issue that comes up again and again. We have developed a learning and development strategy for the sector which highlights the importance of training and upskilling in the context of the wall of policy and legislation that is coming at a hard-pressed service. One cannot have training if one has to focus on the day job, so there has to be a certain amount of floating capacity in the sector to even undertake learning and development. That is as valid and true for the board as it is for us. There is much engagement and a picture building up about what the ask is. I am aware of the collaboration between the Local Government Management Agency, LGMA, and the Department. It is a sister document to the learning and development strategy.