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

The quarterly reports by the DRHE provide more than the number of exits into secure housing tenancies. The reports on local authority homeless performance published by the Department give a detailed breakdown of exits from homelessness and show that a considerable number of people do not move into secure housing tenancies but back into precarious situations. I am sure the Minister is familiar with those reports published by his Department.

Some 317 posts have been approved for An Bord Pleanála and only 267 posts have been filled. When will all 317 posts be filled? As the Minister has referenced, there are shortages across the planning system, in the public sector, local authorities, the Office of the Planning Regulator, in the semi-State sector, where planners are required, and in the private sector. We were told earlier about the pipeline and the work that is being done to try to increase the numbers coming out of educational courses. That is welcome but more needs to be done. Are planners going to be put on the critical skills list? Countries such as New Zealand and South Africa have similar planning systems to ours. We could be getting planners from those countries if the profession were to be put on the list. Why has that not been done, given the shortage of planners is holding up critically needed housing and infrastructure?

There is also an issue for planners coming from the UK. Regardless of their experience, they go onto the lowest possible point of the pay scale. Someone who has ten years' experience should be pushed up a few points on the scale. Why has that not been addressed? It is blocking recruitment. There is a problem in local authorities. Perhaps An Bord Pleanála has taken planners and left local authorities short. Those are two things that could be done to assist now, as well as the important work of getting more people through relevant courses. Will those steps be taken? Why have they not been taken? When do we think we can get An Bord Pleanála up to the level of approved posts?

I have a second set of questions on a particular theme but we can start with those I have asked.