Mr. Terry Sheridan:

I thank Deputy Cowen for his questions. His first question was on the implementation of the Mahon tribunal recommendations. All the planning related recommendations emanating from the tribunal will be implemented on foot of the enactment of these Bills. There are one or two from other Departments which are still outstanding. All the planning related recommendations will be dealt with in the forthcoming legislation. On the Deputy's second point about enforcement resources, I would agree that they have been insufficient or inadequate for the purposes of properly enforcing the planning laws. That partly emanates from cutbacks in numbers in the public service, but the intention would be that proper and adequate resources will be put in place going forward. During the boom years the numbers in place were quite significant in the planning service functions of local authorities, but they have been significantly reduced. There is an issue there that needs to be addressed. If we are to be in a position to ensure that the Act and the regulations are fully and properly enforced, the reality is that additional resources will be required. I will invite my colleague, Mr. Niall Cussen, to respond on the issue of bonds and taking in charge of estates.