Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

Until such time as the legislation is in place, it would neither be prudent nor normal to make the funding available up front. However, I and my Department are engaging with An Bord Pleanála to discover what it needs and with the Department of Finance to ensure the necessary resources are in place.

Deputy McCormack should consider the alternative of a second board, an issue which was canvassed at one point. A limited number of people with planning expertise at a very senior level are available in this country and we are conserving and focusing them within An Bord Pleanála. It is better to review, revise and update an existing system which works quite well at that level.

The Deputy also asked how long the process will take. It will be a difficult piece of drafting, and there will then be a lengthy debate on the issue when it comes before the House. It would be wrong of me to speculate on how long the process will take. I am anxious to ensure the process is as limited as possible. With regard to the personnel numbers——

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