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

First, on the Cathaoirleach's amendment No. 1087, I also met representatives of staff and their union Fórsa about this Bill and they articulated their views on it. One of the key concerns they had was about the proposed name change. Long-standing staff especially placed particular value on the name. They felt the name change did not recognise the huge value of all the work, which we would all recognise, the staff put in An Bord Pleanála. It is important to articulate that. There were also concerns with the lack of engagement with the staff about the proposed changes in the Bill and how that would affect them. There were concerns as well about a working group being set up within An Bord Pleanála to look at how to implement proposed changes arising from the Bill but there being a lack of staff representation on that working group. The Minister may wish to comment on some of those things.

My amendment No. 1108 in this section relates to a declaration of interests and seeks to change the €13,000 value, which is substantial, to €1,000. Will the Minister comment on why the sum of €13,000 was provided for? When I was reading through the Bill, it struck me. If there is a good rationale for €13,000 that is fair enough but I could not decipher this from reading the Bill and otherwise. I ask for a value of €1,000 to be put in instead.