Victor Boyhan (Independent)
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I welcome our guests today. They gave very informative presentations. I wish to follow up on what the Cathaoirleach said. He asked how we ensure it is representative. I am not really interested in whether it is representative or not. If it is an observation or an objection, the planning application or observation should be assessed on the merits of proper planning and sustainable development. It does not matter who writes it, who says it or whatever it does. That is why we need a very robust system. Regardless if Mickey Mouse signs it, if it can justify and make a strong case that it is not proper sustainable planning development, it should be refused. We should not get hooked up on whether it is a famous celebrity on the top of the hill objecting versus somebody else. The assessment has to be on proper planning and sustainability. It is an important point in this discussion.

I wish to deal with Mr. Mandal's submission first. It is very significant, professional and exceptionally laid out. Clearly, he has a lot of experience in this area. I have met him before at public gatherings. I acknowledge his advocacy work in the area of proper planning and sustainable development. It is better than some of the documentation I have received in Leinster House. I like how he broke the whole thing down in terms of judicial reviews. He put facts in front of us. They are there anyway, but he pulled it all together and the data that surround all of his arguments. That is really important. I encourage people to look at this documentation and I encourage Mr. Mandal to circulate it widely to Oireachtas Members and people outside the Oireachtas. In a simple sentence, will Mr. Mandal confirm if the alliance was invited to partake in the planning advisory forum?