Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Bacik for her question on this important issue. She will know we have commenced Second Stage of the Planning and Development Bill. As I have said, this is the most significant reform of our planning legislation that probably ever has taken place. It is a 700-page Bill that seeks to provide clarity, certainty and consistency in our planning legislation and system. That is crucially important.

I want to say to the Deputy that any amendments that are tabled will be looked at very seriously. We have not got to Committee Stage yet. I had hoped that we would have advanced further on Second Stage this week. Unfortunately, however, due to the Dáil business on Tuesday, which was tabled by the main Opposition party, it had to be paused. I agree completely with the Deputy that this matter is urgent but we have to consider this legislation very carefully. I certainly will work with constructive colleagues in the Opposition, such as the Deputy, as I have always done.

For the information of the House, I wrote to the Attorney General and the Department of Justice in advance of the “RTÉ Investigates” programme, which I find shocking. I have to say it is not surprising, because I have heard of cases. Regarding the specific case the Deputy mentioned, there was correspondence from the board to bring it to our attention. I would say to the person that under section 17 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act and sections 6 and 7 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, such practices can be looked at. However, if a party such as the Labour Party brings forward alternative suggestions and feels we can strengthen that in the Planning and Development Bill, I would be open to that. I say that to the Deputy in all sincerity.

We must ensure that we have a planning system that delivers the infrastructure we need, including homes, hospitals, roads and the various different things we need to improve the lives for our citizens. That is why the legislation needed to be upgraded and why we spent 18 months in preparation for this legislation. We also need to resource our planning system. That is why there are now 50% more people working in An Bord Pleanála than there were when I took over as Minister for Justice. Sorry, that is my next job. As Minister for housing-----

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