Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the few minutes left, I will try to deal with most of the issues raised. If not, we will deal with them next week through the amendments that I believe are coming in, according to Senator Boyhan. It is to be hoped we will. In respect of the fees, it is a point well raised that it is nearly 20 years since the fees were addressed. There are proposals being worked on in the Department at the moment. It is something we are looking at and we will make a decision on that soon. I will bring it forward to both Houses for discussion as well. There is merit in it.

In respect of fees for councillors and public representatives, as raised by Senators Boyhan, Humphreys and Lombard and many others here, it is an issue we are dealing with in this Bill. We did discuss this before when it was raised in the Seanad during a previous planning Bill. I warn this could put councillors under pressure to make objections on behalf of people.