Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

Senator Callely has put his finger on it. This is a facilitation mechanism to move matters on. The chairman will refer files to a board meeting with a two-member quorum, at which stage it will have various reports. It is unlikely that the chairman will refer a contentious file or matter.

It is disheartening for some people that because there must be a three-member quorum, their cases will not be dealt with for another six weeks. It would be better if the chairman could move it on in one day and get a decision made. It is not a rubber-stamping exercise but a mechanism to move cases on in a speedier way at the direction of the chairman. Developments which could contravene development plans, strategic infrastructure developments and developments listed in the regulations made under section 176 will not be dealt with by this mechanism.