Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I also want to draw attention to the latest annual report of An Bord Pleanála. As a result of the downturn in the economy, there are now 15% fewer cases going to An Bord Pleanála but staff numbers have increased by 26% and the number of external consultants used has risen by 20. It is clear the board needs to look again at its resource requirements. I am not suggesting that redundancies are needed but I do suggest we consider putting placements or secondments from An Bord Pleanála into county halls nationwide. Many county councils are reviewing their town plans and county development plans at present, and they could benefit from the expertise of members of the board. There is now clearly an excess number of staff in An Bord Pleanála and we should consider placing some of them in county halls nationwide.