Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is right. Her amendment has lots of merit. The Minister feels the issue the amendment deals with is already covered by amendments brought forward by Government, as well as what the Minister has said about giving consideration to bringing other amendments forward on Report Stage to deal with what he described as spurious planning submissions and appeals. Among the issues being looked at for that Stage is having the person or organisation making a submission submitting a standardised statutory declaration with the original submission confirming bona fides the submission is made in good faith and providing penalties for anyone making a false declaration. We feel that between the amendments that have already been made and what will be coming on Report Stage, the issue the Deputy has raised, with good reason, is really already covered. Essentially, we agree with her, but we will come forward with our own amendment on Report Stage.