Mr. Joe Corr:

Dr. Norton will respond later. I will proceed in chronological order. I hope I do not leave anything out.

Deputy Casey made reference to the national planning framework and the democratic process involved, or lack thereof. He referred to the lack of a right to an appeals mechanism and stated not everybody can afford a judicial review. Much of that is a matter for the Government and we would not have an influence. The Deputy probably made his points out of frustration.

If applicants do not take advice given or offered in respect of section 247 when submitting applications, they do so at their peril.

The IPI has made clear that it does not like SHD. It exists and we must work with what we are given. In our submission, we call for the powers to be returned to local authorities before December 2021. We are practical about this matter. We expect it to be extended and wish to have an input into it. That is why we are calling for the powers to be brought back to local authorities by December 2021.

On Deputy Ó Broin's question regarding the monitoring that can be implemented as part of the SHD included in this review, the board has its reporting mechanisms. Again, this is temporary for two years. As I stated, we do not want it to be as a permanent solution; we want the powers to be returned to local authorities. As we outlined there may be a monitoring function for our development teams. An Bord Pleanála releases statistics and data on the matter on a regular basis. It is adequate in terms of our current need.

Senator Murnane O'Connor asked about affordable housing. The IPI wants everybody to be adequately housed to bring stability to their lives. We do not want anyone to be under pressure of homelessness, temporary accommodation or anything of the kind. As I outlined in our opening statement, we want to be part of the solution. We are part of the solution. I hope that answers the Senator's question.

Deputy Jan O'Sullivan stated that she does not support an extension. I have laid out our position, namely, that we do not want it but it is there and we live with it.