Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

If the Deputy could put us in contact with that company, the Ministers, Deputies Peter Burke or Jack Chambers, would be interested in meeting. The first Minister, as Minister for enterprise, would maybe see if he could do anything to help it in its situation. Then, the Minister, Deputy Chambers, could do well to listen to that company in terms of the barriers it has faced.

The Deputy said An Bord Pleanála is the problem. We have established a new planning commission, which has been substantially resourced, much more so than its predecessor. Certain systems have changed there because there was an inherited situation with An Bord Pleanála that was not good. The planning Act allows for timely decisions. There has to be statutory delivery. This business of looking for more information is driving people nuts and decisions have to be taken on time in respect of the core economy. I fully accept that 200 jobs in rural Ireland is huge, particularly in that sector. They are good, high-value jobs and I fully accept that.

See this speech in context