Ms White:

I welcome the Minister and compliment him on grasping his portfolio by the scruff of the neck, as it were. He is determined to have in place a more transparent and accountable planning system by the time he leaves office. I encourage him to continue on the path he has chosen.

Ms White:

As a member of the Irish Rural Dwellers Association, I intend to highlight a number of specific issues. The motion calls on the Minister to consider establishing a national planning monitoring committee. When such a body was proposed by the Irish Rural Dwellers Association and the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland in December 2004, the Minister rejected the idea. Will he reconsider his decision?

Ms White:

The motion refers to the need for a national water and sewerage services authority. The recent Progressive Democrats policy document, Planning for a Rural Future, makes no mention of this proposal. The idea merits further discussion as issues pertaining to the provision of clean water remain to be resolved. As the Irish Rural Dwellers Association has noted, €7 billion of taxpayers' money is being spent upgrading urban water systems, while rural dwellers, who make up one third of the population, are left to meet the full cost of the installation and upkeep of single house treatment systems. Surely one third of taxpayers deserve one third of funding for this type of essential works.

Ms White:

I support the call for an examination of the use of the word "local" in rural planning guidelines. We must carefully consider what we are saying when we try to restrict the sale of property to people native to an area because any such restrictions could be considered to be in breach of human rights legislation on the basis that they discriminate against minority groups.

Ms White:

The motion raises the issue of housing need and how it is interpreted in housing guidelines. Individual planners should not have the right to determine housing need. This is a specific and complex issue and equity, transparency and consistency are required in interpreting it. While I sympathise with individuals who are unable to secure planning permission in rural areas because they are not considered to be farmers, this approach reflects the position of An Taisce and has never been Government policy.

Ms White:

An Bord Pleanála's appeals system needs to be reformed. I welcome the concept of an independent appeals board within the organisation to cover the three European Union constituencies outside Dublin as potentially the first step towards a fair and open appeals process.

Ms White:

The Minister is sincere in his efforts and has demonstrated energy, drive and determination. He is aware of the position on the ground from his experience as an elected representative and I wish him continued success.