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

I will address the amendments tabled by Deputy Matthews.

Amendment No. 1087 seeks to maintain the name "An Bord Pleanála" for the organisation. I have proposed a name change because "An Coimisiún Pleanála" will be more reflective of the work of the commission, which will soon contain planning commissioners in place of board members and will demonstrate this updated structure as well as the transformational change that is ongoing. I have engaged with staff in what is currently An Bord Pleanála. There were differing views on this, frankly. I think there is an understanding now as to why we are doing this. It is not just a rebrand but it also reflects better the work being done. We are rightly changing the governance structure within the board. We have a new chairperson, as you know, in Peter Mullan. With the passing of this Bill, we will be able to move forward with the appointment of planning commissioners and have a better structure within the board. We will have a governance structure, the governance spine, the staff management piece and the decision-making piece. That is very distinct. It is very important that An Bord Pleanála is already embarking on transformational change by way of the additional resources and the new structure that are there. The name "An Coimisiún Pleanála", I firmly believe, much better reflects the role it will have at the apex of our planning system as a reformed An Bord Pleanála will become An Coimisiún Pleanála. Therefore, I cannot accept amendment No. 1087.

Do you want me to speak to the other amendments, a Chathaoirligh?