Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Let me first take us back to the Mahon tribunal, first established in 1994. For some current registered voters, that is more than a lifetime ago. This was among the most renowned and most drawn-out in our history of drawn-out tribunals. Looking at matters relating to planning and land rezoning issues in the 1990s in the Dublin County Council area, it examined conflicts of interest, political finance, lobbying, bribery, corruption, money laundering and misuse of confidential information. A veritable treasure trove of corruption was reported on in its publication in 2012. What came of the report? There were ten recommendations relating to planning, including the following as yet unimplemented points that appear to be gathering dust somewhere. These are notice in case of material contravention of development plans; documentation of interventions by elected members; the requirement to identify political donation when making a planning application; and a transferring of the Minister's enforcement powers to an independent planning regulator. None of these has been progressed, let alone implemented.

I add my voice to all in my party and across the State calling on the Government to appoint an independent regulator to oversee planning procedures. The Mahon tribunal report was published in March 2012. Why has Fine Gael failed to ensure an independent planning regulator over the period since? We should remember that this is despite Fine Gael's protestations that it represents a different kind of politics to the long-toxic Fianna Fáil. The party appears to be not so different now. While we saw the housing market and development slow down during the recession, there have been some predictions that the demand for houses will increase. We are all well aware of the pressure for housing of all shapes and sizes in Dublin and in our larger urban areas. The Housing Agency reported recently that a total of 79,660 housing units will be required across all urban areas up to 2018, 47% of which will be required across the city of Dublin. The Government must act at once to ensure that robust, fair and transparent planning laws are in place so we can provide housing for all citizens without having recourse to the nod and wink culture that so badly served us in our recent history.

The Government has previously committed to providing such a body. However, it had not shown in the proposed scheme for the planning and development (No. 2) Bill any way to do this. The Government has, in time-honoured fashion, tabled an amendment to this motion that welcomes the progress by the Government to date on this issue. It would do so, as that is what it does. I am happy to welcome the commitment to the establishment of the office of the planning regulator but this needs to happen urgently. We are also very concerned that the Government's proposals would have a so called independent planning regulator that would be subservient to the Minister. Unfortunately, Ireland of the wink and the nod remains and the true damage of this culture will remain with us for many years to come. As a small island nation, we know that many in various fields, like planning and politics, will have connections or they might even be related. This is exactly why we need an independent body. We need to ensure that conflicts of interest are no longer tolerated. We need to be assured of a fearless independent body to take on any vested interests and ensure that all legacy issues are fully investigated.

In 2011, the former Minister, Mr. Phil Hogan, and this Government decided not to press on with the promised reviews into planning in local authorities in Dublin city, Cork city, Cork county, Carlow, Meath and Galway as planned under the previous Government by the then Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. How can we have confidence in such a government, in this Government? A planning regulator must be appointed following an open public competition by an independent appointments board. This is the best way to ensure full independence. The recommendations of the planning regulator must be made binding on the Minister of the day. I also ask the Government to address the serious allegations already referred to regarding planning irregularities in County Wicklow as a priority.

Bhí amhras mór ar go leor maidir le pleanáil in Éirinn le fada. Tuigtear sin go forleathan nuair a thráchtar ar Fhianna Fáil, páirtí a bhfuil amhras mór ann ina thaobh in áiteanna fud fad na tíre. Níl Fine Gael tar éis a léiriú gur tosaíocht acu próiseas pleanála na tíre a cheartú agus oifig le pleanálaí neamhspleách a bhunú. larraim orthu gníomhú go gasta agus sin a chur i gcrích láithreach.

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