Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I note the point the Senator is making but 18 weeks is probably the shortest feasible time for the board to get all its ducks in a row, all its decisions and the reports concerned. If a decision could be made in a shorter period, I would favour that. We have had some extraordinary cases of delays to work on infrastructure, which have frustrated the general public and caused public harm, and all such delays have done is to escalate prices. In practical terms, 18 weeks is a feasible time within which the board can work. We would all like the decision process to be timely and as efficient as possible — we all accept that principle. It would not be right to set an unrealistic target. The board has worked hard to meet the targets it has been set, although it is not always possible for it to do so.

An Bord Pleanála's performance has improved dramatically in recent times. In 2005 the intake of appeals on infrastructure cases was up 13%. That marked the third successive year of a significant increase, yet the percentage of cases being decided within the 18 weeks statutory period now stands at 78%, which is good, with the average time to dispose of cases being only 15 weeks.

It would be unfair to the board to reduce the period by one third from 18 weeks to 12 weeks. If we could get major strategic infrastructure decisions through in 18 weeks, we would be doing very well, given the fact that some strategic infrastructure has been delayed for year upon year.

I commend the objective of being as efficient, timely and effective as possible, but what is feasible in this context is 18 weeks. Referring to one of the Senator's earlier amendments, there is a need for consultation and for the various bodies to produce reports. I do not believe that could be done within the 12-week period proposed. I commend the Senator's ambition in this instance. The upper time limit is 18 weeks and hopefully decisions will come through within that period. It would not be fair to set a target which in my heart of hearts I know would pose difficulties for the board.