Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)

While I thank the Minister for his answer, the question was meant to elicit a longer response, as it involved more than just the planning process, namely, working with local authorities. Our business sector needs more guidance and advice on how to engage with local authorities and similar standards should apply in the dealings with each authority, which I am sure the Minister would accept. It is his job to engage and help businesses in this respect because, unless one is a politician, understanding how local government works is a minefield. Businesses should not need to knock on councillors' or Deputies' doors to get help. While I accept this does not occur everywhere, the situation must be improved. Some councils' planning and economic officers work well, but not all of them do. We must level the playing field between councils. Red tape and delays scare business away. Contribution levies are bad enough without delays in the system. There is an obligation on both Ministers to put their heads together to try to fast-track this issue.

See this speech in context