Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the hard work of the staff of the Business Committee. After many phone calls, matters were pushed onto the committee by the Government. We had decisions to make within an hour. I object to the Order of Business, due to the ongoing controversy surrounding An Bord Pleanála. We need an urgent debate. We have a housing crisis which we have never seen the like of. An Bord Pleanála's carry-on and questionable behaviour in many cases is not helping. There is no confidence in it. It is the highest planning authority in the land. Nothing would be found out but for judicial reviews. These judicial reviews cost money. People need a proper functioning An Bord Pleanála, which we do not have. It is mostly political cronies of two Government parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil - I have the list here. The Taoiseach can nod all he likes. All his friends are in An Bord Pleanála now. He cannot deny it. It is the same with the Electoral Reform Bill. You have not changed your spots. The leopard never changes its spots. I am glad to be away from ye, that is one thing that is sure and certain. I am still trying to get rid of the spots.

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