Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the allegations that have been made. I understand they are denied by the board members specifically. It is important that we say that. I have appointed a senior counsel, Mr. Remy Farrell, to provide a report to inform my consideration of the matter. Any allegations of this nature, be they related to individuals or the process, must be taken very seriously. We have done so in advance of the recent public commentary on this. The terms of reference, to which the Deputy referred, and the timelines for the report are nearing finalisation. I will publish them. It is right that we do so and that people have sight of them.

I understand the Office of the Planning Regulator, OPR, has independently written to the chairperson of An Bord Pleanála requesting the chairperson to outline the systems and procedures that An Bord Pleanála has in place to ensure effective compliance with all statutory duties provided in sections 147 and 148 the Act and any other matters that the office deems relevant. The board is independent in its performance of its functions under the planning Act. We have to guard that independence. Pending the outcome of the considerations, I am not going to make any further comment, but I assure the Deputy and others who have shown an interest in this that the terms of reference will be published and shared when concluded, which will be very soon or in a matter of days. We need to let the senior counsel proceed with his time-bound work. I want it focused; I do not want it to drag on. I want this examined so we can deal with this issue efficiently and expeditiously.

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