Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Amendment No. 691 provides the Minister with a power to direct that strategically important appeals are dealt with expeditiously by the commission. This power mirrors an existing provision for direct applications to the commission under section 124(8) of the Bill. However, the wording needs to be reviewed to refer to appeals in this case rather than applications. I will review this provision alongside the existing provisions that generally apply to the commission under section 328(7) of the Bill. I will consider whether an amendment should be brought forward on Report Stage. We are assessing this matter to see whether we need to make a further amendment. I do not intend to accept Deputy McAuliffe's amendment as I want to take some time to look at this issue.