Dáil debates

Wednesday, 14 December 2022

Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2022: Second Stage

 

2:20 pm

Photo of Johnny MythenJohnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Transparency, separation of powers and proper legislative scrutiny are pillars of any proper planning procedure. However, the structure of this Bill and the way the Minister introduced the Bill in the Seanad through Standing Orders will do nothing for public confidence and leaves it open to possible challenge through litigation. Even more alarming is the fact that the Minister is seeking to autonomise the power of appointments in a way that will further erode the independence of An Bord Pleanála. We know only too well from past and current experience the damage and mistrust caused when wide-reaching powers and political interference is allowed to manifest itself in any independent institution. This cannot be allowed to be repeated.

Clarity must be forthcoming from the Government side on how many additional social and affordable houses this Bill will deliver. The Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage should at least be given quarterly reports on the implementation and use of this provision. Sinn Féin will be tabling amendments to deal with these issues and calling for votes on same. We hope the Minister will consider their merits and support them considering and unscrutinised manner in which this Bill was scrambled through.

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