Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I join the Ceann Comhairle, the Tánaiste and others in their expressions of condolence to the family of the late Brendan Daly, who represented Clare in this House for a long time and was also a Member of the Upper House. Among his many attributes, he was a man of great charm. Everybody who met him would agree on that, and that he was a man of many attributes.

I wish to return to the issue of the hardship caused to families throughout the country by delays in An Bord Pleanála. As the Tánaiste is aware, interest rates are rising. As I am sure he is equally aware, interest rates are set at the time at which they are drawn down. Delays in An Bord Pleanála have a real impact on many families, including those seeking to buy a house as part of a development, but also the many families looking to build a one-off house that has been referred to An Bord Pleanála. Obviously, people have a right to refer matters to An Bord Pleanála but there needs to be speedy decisions. The Government has no control over rising interest rates but it does have a degree of control over An Bord Pleanála and, in particular, resourcing it and ensuring it provides decisions in a speedy manner. I do not know whether this hardship is universal throughout the country or if it is worse in some parts of the country than in others. What will the Government do to ensure speedy decisions?

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