Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to see the Ceann Comhairle back in the Chair.

The Taoiseach stated that energy and energy security were a significant focus of the Prague summit, and they continue to be for European political leaders. In that regard, I wish to raise our planning system, particularly An Bord Pleanála, which has been in crisis for some time. The difficulties run deeper than the behaviour of individual board members. There are issues around governance and organisational culture, but we are now at a critical point with just four board members in place. What is going to be done about this, even temporarily? I understand that the Government is looking for secondments from Departments. Substantial changes to the governance of, and appointments to, the board are contained within the development and foreshore (amendment) Bill. I do not want to prejudge the outcome of the committee's deliberations on the general scheme of the legislation, but it is important to note that the committee's members have raised concerns regarding some of the Bill's provisions. I urge the Government to work with the Opposition to ensure that we get the reform agenda around planning correct. The resourcing of our planning apparatus also needs to be beefed up significantly so that it is fit for purpose for delivering critical infrastructure, not least in terms of developing renewables, in particular offshore wind.

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