John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

It has been brought to my attention but I do not know of any instance where a Minister has exercised that power. I have tried to determine that. An inconsistency of this sort will be part of a review of the legislation. There are priority one, priority two and priority three procedures in place. The Deputy is talking about priority three, so it is down the list. These refer to outfall pipes, if they are not part of a larger strategic infrastructure project, private boat moorings and extension of existing piers, slipways or jetties. They are down the list of priority and as far as the Department is concerned, far more major projects must be considered. We are getting through the list.

If the Deputy has a specific case in mind and if he drops me a line, I will look into it to see if there is undue delay. It is of concern if an individual cannot secure finance because there is a fear that having been granted the foreshore licence, it could be revoked at a later stage.

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