Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The OPR was set up on foot of recommendations from planning tribunal reports. It was about the need for an independent regulator of the planning system. I do not think in those recommendations this type of role, where the OPR is effectively an enforcer of the Minister's powers in the national planning statements, was envisaged. It is a departure from those recommendations. It is, to use a benign word, an "enhanced" role for the OPR. It involves significant additional powers and functions. It is that straying from the original remit of or vision for the OPR that I am concerned about. Has there been any process to evaluate those risks?