Mr. Peter Mullan:

If the Cathaoirleach gives us time, I am happy to answer some of those questions. Without commenting on any individual case, noise is an element that is considered within the guidelines that are there in any individual planning decision. I cannot get into certain cases. The case that was mentioned related to wind guidelines and whether the HSE is notified in that regard. We do that as a matter of course. The decision on the airport noise case will be made within the legal and planning constraints. I am not going to comment on it. That decision is imminent.

With regard to the environmental impact assessment issue and its independence, those studies are prepared by private consultants. One of the first things that is done when reading a planning report from one of the inspectors is their assessment as to their professional capacity. Their independence is assessed by one of our inspectors. On occasions, I have seen them say they are not adequate and there is an element of engagement there. Generally, however, that level of independence is assessed by an independent inspector with professional expertise in our organisation. Generally, it is fair to say that many of the professional organisations that do this are professional and independent, as they are supposed to be. Our inspectors are well able to assess their independence.

When it comes to solar guidelines or any kind of guidelines that come from the centre, we will operate within those guidelines, whether they are wind, solar or whatever. In respect of the decision-making at commissioner level, I might ask my colleague, Mr. McGarry, to describe how those decisions are made in the absence of guidelines. He has more experience in this regard.