James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 29:

In page 17, line 26, to delete "18" and substitute "12".

This recommendation is to reduce the time for a decision from 18 to 12 weeks. A 12-week period is sufficient. We discussed this in great detail on Committee Stage and the Minister appeared to be undecided. Finally, while not conceding the issue, he more or less reverted to the 18 weeks. However, during his contribution I felt that he would allow the three-month period. A 12-week period is a long time but an 18-week interval puts considerable pressure on much of the development that is to take place. The Minister referred to my earlier amendment and said it would be contradictory to this. However, I do not believe so. The Minister could reduce the time-lag for a decision. One would complement the other and greater clarity would be brought to the Bill.