Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome these statements. It is something both Government and Opposition Members called for before the recess and I am glad we are making the time to have this debate.

I welcome that the report outlining the practices of An Bord Pleanála has been referred to the DPP, the Garda and to the Standards in Public Office Commission for them to make their judgments on. The report should be made public as soon as possible without impinging on any legal investigation. Transparency in the work of An Bord Pleanála is of the utmost importance. Transparency is meant to be at the heart of our planning system and it is simply a matter of public interest. It is important the information contained in the report be in the public domain sooner rather than later. Myself and my colleagues on the housing committee will want to discuss this report in public session as soon it is possible to do so.

An Bord Pleanála plays a crucial role in our planning system and any allegations of inappropriate actions or behaviour by its members must be treated with the utmost seriousness. Our planning system is nothing without impartiality and integrity. Housing supply is currently the biggest challenge we face and as we implement the measures contained in Housing for All and move to address our housing crisis, An Bord Pleanála must be to the forefront of facilitating sustainable, appropriate development. We must aid the momentum needed to build more homes so we can ensure more families and young people can aspire to have a place to call their own. Housing for All sets ambitious targets for housing development in Ireland as well as vital infrastructure under the national development plan and An Bord Pleanála has an important role to play.

I do not doubt for a moment that the staff of An Bord Pleanála work extremely hard under challenging conditions and in a system that can never operate fast enough, such is the demand we place on our planning decisions. It is important to stress any outcomes of the report into handling conflicts of interest or the ongoing investigations should not colour the view of the majority of the very hardworking, diligent people working in the offices of An Bord Pleanála. I welcome that the Minister has sanctioned a further 24 posts for An Bord Pleanála to assist with the growing demand in this sector. Extra boots on the ground are absolutely needed and these staff will help fulfil the functions An Bord Pleanála will take on as part of the new marine planning arrangements.

I was happy to support the Maritime Area Planning Bill both at committee and when it was before the Dáil earlier this year. Now more than ever, we need a planning system that supports us to harness our natural resources into energy. That is absolutely crucial. This Bill will help us achieve our renewable energy targets for 2030 and bring in a much-needed planning regime for offshore wind. An Bord Pleanála is going to be crucial to the effective running of that planning regime and so many other planning decisions. That is another reason addressing the concerns around conflicts of interest within the organisation is now urgently needed.

The current appointments process is also due to be overhauled and that is going to be a really positive development. I understand the Minister is in the process of bringing a plan to Cabinet to outline a new appointments process for members of An Bord Pleanála underpinned by new legislation. That is possibly one of the most important steps we can take as legislators when it comes to this. I also welcome that the two-person decision-making panels are a thing of the past. That is going to bring a new level of clarity to the planning process. While we strive to put transparency and trust to the forefront of An Bord Pleanála's process, it is important that we do not add further delay to decision-making turnaround times. As we all know, getting a decision on a planning application can be a really lengthy process. I would hate to see the process becoming even more drawn out at a time when the delivery of houses is so crucial. We need a system that is transparent, trustworthy, reliable and efficient, a planning system that is fit for purpose and that does not create unwarranted delays when timely action on housing is so badly needed. As I said, I welcome that this report on An Bord Pleanála is now with the DPP, the Garda and the Standards in Public Office Commission, SIPO. I have confidence they will take all the necessary steps when carrying out their work. I call again on the Minister to ensure that this report is made public as soon as possible.

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