Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

There have been significant changes in the country since the Planning and Development Act 2000 was passed. Most Senators have received a report from the Irish Planning Institute which shows a threefold increase in the number of planning applications in the past decade. Planners are being swamped by the increasing volume and complexity of applications.

It may be time for us to review the Planning and Development Act 2000, specifically Part 6, which deals with the role and responsibilities of An Bord Pleanála. I refer not only to this week's decision on incineration but also to the concerns that organisations such as the Irish Rural Dwellers Association have about the make-up of the board.

Part 5, dealing with social and affordable housing should be also reviewed. I was disappointed to learn this morning that the Construction Industry Federation, CIF, is attacking Clare County Council because it is using the Act to ensure that 20% of housing in the county is social and affordable. The CIF is concerned that other houses will fail to sell but we should commend Clare County Council and other councils that use the Act to realise more social and affordable housing. We could send them a message that we support these endeavours by calling for a review of the Act to tighten the legislation. Will the Leader ask the relevant Minister to come to the House to discuss a review of the Planning and Development Act?