Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The committee, chaired by Deputy Steven Matthews, who is here with us, had about 120 hours worth of hearings on Committee Stage. That is extraordinarily significant and for people watching this debate and Leaders' Questions, that is quite an unusual length of time on Committee Stage, as it should be with respect to getting this right.

The Planning and Development Bill 2023 did complete all Stages in this House, as Deputies know, on 12 June, and it will now begin its passage through Seanad Éireann. I understand it is scheduled to begin in the Seanad on 27 June. Obviously, the timing of this is a matter for the Oireachtas and I know the Seanad will want to give this issue due consideration and tease through various issues as well. We have amended the Bill to deal with spurious planning submissions and appeals. I think that is important. Statutory declarations must be submitted with all submissions or objections on planning applications, appeals and judicial reviews stating that they are not being done for the purpose of delaying a development or for receiving a payment. There is also a ban on requesting a payment for not opposing a development.

I will have to check exactly what the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, found out because I do not know the answer to the Deputy's specific question but my understanding is the Minister is aware of the draft compliance report from the Aarhus Convention compliance committee and its comments on the Bill. The Bill was drafted to ensure compliance with the convention and of course the Minister is consulting with the Attorney General on the matter. My understanding is that the Minister is satisfied that the Bill was drafted to ensure full compliance with the Aarhus Convention. Of course, there will be an opportunity to engage with the Office of the Attorney General and, no doubt, this is something that will be scrutinised further in the Seanad.

It is always a balance when it comes to legislation, and how long you give legislation. There is a lots of legislation on lots of different areas waiting to get through this House. I think this Bill received a lot of time in the Dáil and a lot of time at the committee. I think it is now appropriate that it has passed the Dáil and will be considered by the Seanad.

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