Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

In my amendments Nos. 713, 714 and 719, I am proposing that the words "in detail" be inserted in the relevant provisions. I have often seen situations where a decision is made but is not outlined in any detail. This is in reference to decisions made by the board. It would be helpful to the process if decisions were required to be given in detail. Subsection (2)(a)(i) of section 123 provides that the commission shall "state the main reasons for the decision and the main considerations on which the decision is based". I am proposing to insert "in detail" after "state". Is the Minister satisfied that under the existing provision, the main considerations would require detail to be applied in setting out a decision? Section 123(2)(b) provides that where a recommendation in the inspector's report is not followed, the notice of a decision "shall state the main reasons for not following the recommendation in the report". Again, it would be helpful if the decision-maker were prompted to state the main reasons for that decision in detail.