Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)

For the record, the subsequent decision was taken by the Minister of State for housing and planning, Deputy Penrose. His decision was initially to have a review by departmental officials, which was carried out as quickly as possible. I will go into the timescale of this in more detail later on, but I wanted to put that on the record first.

This extensive report runs to over 900 pages. In addition to the report, I am also publishing the complaints that formed the basis for Mr. Gormley initiating the concept that he would carry out a review, even though he never actually initiated one, as such. I am also publishing the responses from the various local authorities. It will all be in the public record so Deputies can examine it and I have no problem with the report going to the relevant committee, as Deputy Ó Cuív suggested.

I got the report at the end of last week and we intended to publish it on Thursday. However, in deference to this House, which was going to spend three hours debating the issue, we felt it was important to have the report out in time for this debate, rather than after it had concluded. Therefore, while the intention was to publish it on Thursday, I published the report of the planning review this afternoon.

The report is a robust and thorough analysis of various aspects of the planning system in Ireland. Together with the appendices, it comes to nearly 1,000 pages. Importantly, this rigorous review proposes action across a number of fronts and I am committed to implementing the proposed reforms. First, having examined planning practice in seven local authorities, the report sets forth 12 actions at both departmental and local authority level. I will immediately begin to implement those 12 actions which will enhance transparency, improve consistency and provide greater public confidence in our planning system nationwide.

In addition to accepting these 12 areas for reform I also announced today my intention to appoint an independent planning expert. The task for that planning expert will be twofold: first, to examine the entire review and specifically the 12 actions arising from its recommendations, and to suggest additional measures if deemed appropriate; and, second, to examine six substantial themes that emerged from the review, which would benefit from additional independent consideration, and to report back to me by December 2012 in relation to additional measures necessary to address issues.

Taken together the actions flowing from this review represent significant body of reform. It is by no means a panacea for restoring public trust in a planning system that has been devalued by the criminal and corrupt actions of a minority. However, it will complement the whole-of-government response to the Mahon tribunal, which my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Hogan, will publish in the coming weeks.

The issues in the Mahon tribunal are extremely substantial. The idea that the Deputies opposite would consider that a motion on planning was appropriate, given what is in the Mahon report, beggars belief. The whole issue of trust in politics being raised is-----

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