Mr. David Browne:

We experience that bureaucracy in all of the statutory aspects in making applications in respect of buildings. The introduction of SI No. 9 of 2014 has put much greater discipline on the inspection of buildings and we have seen a notable change for the better where it is competently carried out. On the other hand, there have been incidences where it has not been properly carried out and that is a concern. The system has only had three years to bed in and needs a number of years before we can make a full judgment on it. I know that there are moves afoot to improve it.

We support fully the idea of a one-stop-shop. It would be excellent in the development of vacant properties within towns. It is interesting to note that the recent statutory instrument on the planning and development (amendment) (No. 2) regulations 2018 provides for an exemption of the type of development the Senator envisages. We believe that could well be-----