Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Question 7: To ask the Minister for the Environment; Heritage and Local Government if he will proceed with independent investigations into potential planning irregularities in a number of local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7021/11]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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The planning review announced last year by the former Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley, was intended to assess the application of planning legislation, policy and guidance within the development plan and development management systems at local level and to inform further policy development in these areas. A number of planning authorities, representing a broad geographical spread of urban and rural areas as well as large and small authorities, had been selected to assist in the review of policies and practices by reference to several cases raised with my Department.

The programme for Government includes, inter alia , specific commitments to co-ordinate national, regional and local planning laws to achieve better and more co-ordinated development which supports local communities, to develop a coherent plan to deal with the issue of unfinished estates, and to ensure there is adequate access and participation by citizens and public representatives in decision-making and policy formation. The resources of my Department will be directed primarily towards supporting the implementation of the Government's commitments in these areas. I understand the concerns of some of the public regarding some actions taken by individual local authorities. At present I am reviewing in detail a number of specific complaints, following the initiation of the process by the former Minister, Mr. John Gormley.

When this review is completed, I will issue a public statement outlining the complaints at issue, my response and any appropriate actions to be pursued in regard to further policy development and guidance, in line with commitments in the programme for Government.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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There should be a better division of responsibility in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government as the Minister of State, Deputy Penrose, appears to be carrying all the weight. However, I thank the Minister of State for his reply and seek clarity thereon. He stated that he intends to review the independent investigation and the extant material and in light of that review, will then decide whether an investigation will take place. Is that correct?

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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The local authorities have replied to the various specific issues and in conjunction with my Department, I will review those replies after which I will publish that statement. As for any recommendations that may arise therefrom, Deputy O'Dea is familiar with section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2002 and it is important to keep political involvement some distance away from any impact on the planning process. It states: "The Minister shall not exercise any power or control in any particular case with which a planning authority or the board is or may be concerned." Essentially, as soon as the matter is finalised, I intend to publish the report. If any recommendations arise therefrom, I note that opting for an independent review would necessitate considerable expenditure. In straitened times when money is particularly scarce, as some of my colleagues have pointed out in the Chamber earlier, there are other things on which money could be expended. I have every confidence that the Government will deal with the matter by bringing forward and publishing a report comprising the submissions made and my conclusions reached in respect thereof.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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After one brief supplementary question, I will not pursue the Minister of State, Deputy Penrose, any further in this regard. The Minister of State will agree that the changes made in the planning legislation of 2010 puts responsibility on local authorities in respect of evidence-based planning and responsible rezoning. This legislation was specifically drawn up and designed to deal in part with the problem relating to ghost estates. I seek the assurance of the Minister of State that there will be no changes to revert to the status quo ante.

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Deputy O'Dea may rest assured in that regard as the 2010 Act constitutes a significant advance in these terms and will deal with many of the issues. This is the reason the process will be opened up more widely as part of the programme for Government to get greater public consultation and input from community groups. I assure the Deputy that the 2010 Act will be the basis on which the Government will move forward. It will be neither emasculated nor diluted but will be built upon, as it is worthy legislation. Obviously there may be areas in which Opposition Members will find difficulties and perhaps they will table amendments. The Government will listen to them all in due course.