Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State has correctly identified the criminal sanctions that are in place for individuals who seek to abuse the process in a criminal way. The point I was trying to make in respect of An Bord Pleanála is that it can be very difficult for the bord to identify if an appeal is vexatious or abusive. Perhaps the Minister of State and the Minister could give consideration to introducing a requirement that an affidavit to be sworn by any appellant bringing an appeal before An Bord Pleanála, setting out that the appeal that they are making is in good order and is done with proper motives, as opposed to what was suggested in the programme the other night.

It is important that we get the Bill through the Houses promptly. It is a very effective piece of legislation. I think it will speed up the process at An Bord Pleanála. Of course, Opposition parties will say, and perhaps there is some substance in it, that we also need to ensure that the resources within An Bord Pleanála are improved as well so that appeals can be heard in an expedited fashion. I thank the Minister of State for his answer.

See this speech in context