James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 33:

In page 10, between lines 35 and 36, to insert the following:

"(8) Where a reasonable request that the Board consult with an independent health expert on the health implications of any proposed infrastructural development is received by the Board from local residents or other interested local parties, such a request shall be complied with.".

It is essential that this amendment should be made because it proposes the involvement of an independent health expert. It is particularly disappointing that the legislation makes no attempt to equip planning bodies with the necessary health and safety expertise, which would help to restore public confidence in the entire planning system and ensure planing decisions are made with public health as a primary interest. For example, when an incinerator comes up for planning permission, why does the issue of public health barely get a mention? It is important that an independent health expert could be called in to give a view on this issue. Why are representatives of the World Health Organisation never permitted to address planning authorities or the public? I highlighted this issue previously and it is important that the amendment should be taken on board because it would allay public fears.

The greatest issue people have with incinerators is the lack of research and denial of an opportunity to independent health experts to give their view in the legislation. This is a good amendment, which should be taken on board in the interest of the health and safety of all our citizens. If there are no health implications, there is nothing to fear and, therefore, experts should be brought in, given that people would go along with their views. Protests, anger and annoyance, which result from the failure to obtain the best advice, would be diminished among the public.