Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

The local authorities have replied to the various specific issues and in conjunction with my Department, I will review those replies after which I will publish that statement. As for any recommendations that may arise therefrom, Deputy O'Dea is familiar with section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2002 and it is important to keep political involvement some distance away from any impact on the planning process. It states: "The Minister shall not exercise any power or control in any particular case with which a planning authority or the board is or may be concerned." Essentially, as soon as the matter is finalised, I intend to publish the report. If any recommendations arise therefrom, I note that opting for an independent review would necessitate considerable expenditure. In straitened times when money is particularly scarce, as some of my colleagues have pointed out in the Chamber earlier, there are other things on which money could be expended. I have every confidence that the Government will deal with the matter by bringing forward and publishing a report comprising the submissions made and my conclusions reached in respect thereof.

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