Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It was my predecessor as Minister of State who decided to carry out an internal review, which made useful recommendations. Some have been implemented and others will be implemented in the forthcoming planning Bill, which will also implement the recommendations of the Mahon tribunal report.

The reason we decided to have a further external review was essentially because of the court decision. I took the view following the court decision in respect of Donegal that it was necessary to be clear that the proper procedures were carried out. That is why I have decided, in consultation with my senior Minister, to have a external review carried out on the six other local authorities. We need to take the advice of the Attorney General in respect of Donegal because there are specific legal matters and there have been court cases in the case of Donegal.

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