Mr. Dave Walsh:

On the question of whether three or more board members are making decisions, with regard to planning applications, it is individual administrators within the planning authority who make the decisions. The development plan is the overall framework that is adopted. Similarly, the national planning framework and specific policies are adopted by Government and by Ministers. The Chair's core question is whether there is a deficit. The board's view is irrelevant because the board has been granted the functions through the Oireachtas and the Government to deliver on the SHD process. Whether we believe it is a good thing or not, it is a job that we have to get on with and do to the best of our ability.