Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)

I support this Bill and concur with much of what has already been said. Widespread cynicism exists among the public, based on people's experience of those in high places and Government appointed members of bodies.

I wish to speak about An Bord Pleanála, a body that merits closer scrutiny. In reviewing planning decisions, it performs one of the most important functions of any board in this country. We have seen the results of its deliberations on the Indaver incinerator in County Cork, where it succumbed to Government policy in allowing the project to proceed. The board also overturned the recommendation of one of its inspectors against proceeding with the Corrib gas project. Many similar cases can be instanced.

The board comprises ten ministerial appointees. The chair, vice-chair and two other members are representatives of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The remaining six members are supposed to be nominated by 40 panels but there has been contrivance in that regard. I have learned from replies to parliamentary questions and through working with the Irish Rural Dwellers Association, of which I am a founder member, that two former employees of An Bord Pleanála are now members of the board as nominees of the panels. I use the word "contrivance" advisedly and do not mean to criticise the people concerned. The five-year term of membership expired in 2006 but the members have been re-appointed for a further five years. Will it be the case that the entire board will be filled by former employees of An Bord Pleanála? I welcome this Bill as a way of preventing that.

Where is democracy and the will of the people? Where is the legislation that will represent the people on the ground or re-examine a planning decision? The board is completely filled by ministerial appointees, although ICTU has also been involved as a nominating body. Serious questions must be asked and I see this Bill as the way forward. An Bord Pleanála is just one example of the questions that need to be answered.

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