Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, the Bill itself provides statutory timelines for An Bord Pleanála. That will provide a degree of certainty and it should speed up the process in terms of appeals.

On the second point the Deputy raised, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on any individual planning cases. It should be noted that the Government is opposed to the abuse of any process, including the planning process, for personal gain to the detriment of the process. The planning system is an open process which incurs public participation. The Government does not condone behaviour which would interfere with the planning process as set out in legislation, or behaviour that would lead to a possible abuse of the courts system. The Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, wrote to the Attorney General and to the Minister for Justice in relation to the matter in July of this year. The Attorney General provided views and stated that matters such as these are provided for under current law. In addition to the legislation the Deputy referred to, notably section 17(1) of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 states: "It shall be an offence for any person who, with a view to gain for himself or another or with intent to cause loss to another..." I also refer to section 6 of the Criminal Justice Act. It should be noted the Government is opposed to the abuse of any process, including the planning process, for personal gain. Anyone with any concerns regarding a breach of the law in respect of that should contact the Garda.

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