Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 13 December 2016

Select Committee on Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Bill 2016: Committee Stage (Resumed)

2:10 pm

Photo of Eoin Ó BroinEoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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I am happy to withdraw amendment No. 55 in my name on the basis of the Minister of State's commitment to deal with its intent to provide a greater level of information to encourage public participation by way of regulations. That is welcome.

In order for people to be able to engage adequately with the process they need to be given sufficient time. These are quite detailed matters with detailed documentation. It is also important that the public not only has adequate time but is able to engage on any matter or less restricted matters than the relevant section. I will be pressing my amendment No. 56.

If my understanding of the Minister of State's response is correct, the first part of my amendment No. 57 is included in section 144 of the 2000 Act, but I did not hear him comment on electronic payments, which is covered in the second part of the amendment. Will he clarify that point?

Amendment No. 60 covers exactly the same point. The costs are greater because the scale of works submitted is greater, which means the level of responsibility of An Bord Pleanála is greater. The Minister of State accepted a similar amendment at an earlier stage, albeit at a lower level of cost implication, so I do not see the reason that he cannot accept this amendment. I will press amendment No. 60.

Will the Minister of State clarify his position on amendment No. 57?