James Bannon (Fine Gael)

It is important that a licence should be given within a period and the period should be specified. For far too long we have seen delays in several areas of Government such as in that of grants, particularly in the agricultural area. For example, a charter of rights for farmers was introduced and that has been flouted on several occasions. When the Minister provides for a time limit people can get into that mindset.

The Minister has stated that consideration by a planning authority of an application is generally limited to eight weeks, etc., but there should be a defined time limit. Perhaps three months would be appropriate. It should be looked at within a particular period.