Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

On the first question, it is a well-made point on multiple regulations overlapping, particularly in relation to An Coimisiún Pleanála. The Department established the planning regulations review working group to review and prepare the secondary legislation. The timelines are ambitious and may change according to the demands. The Department is working with An Bord Pleanála to prepare for the establishment of An Coimisiún Pleanála. The issue of multiple interdependent and inter-related regulations is being addressed through that process.

On the second question in relation to staffing and recruitment, the Deputy is correct that the board has received a significant intake of additional staff, which is a hugely important and significant part of the reforms the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, introduced. That intake of staff is working to reduce backlogs in the planning system. That has been the priority. This transition to An Coimisiún Pleanála under the new Bill has to happen relatively seamlessly but there are always challenges in these processes.

I can provide the tabular form. It provides a useful project timeline for enactment of the Bill.

On Part 9, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has set up an interagency working group looking at the scale of fees and the cost mechanisms. I think it is due to report back to Government within three months of the enactment of the Bill.