Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will not go into the Local Government Bill 2018 at this stage because we will have time tonight. The Minister of State, Deputy Phelan, made a good and positive suggestion last night, that we would have an all-day session in the Seanad on the role of local government with an emphasis on elected mayors, I presume executive elected mayors. I am aware the Leader was present for most of the debate, including that part of it. Would the Leader consider timetabling such a debate at some stage in January? It was a good suggestion from the Minister of State and he is committed to it. It would be a very good opportunity for the House to discuss this complex issue of devolved powers.

I thank the Government and acknowledge that the Planning Regulator, as set out and envisaged under the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018, was formally announced.An official from the Department is taking the job and I acknowledge the Government's commitment to driving this with a very fast timeline. This Bill was only enacted very recently and, after a competitive interview process, there has now been the announcement of the appointment of a new planning regulator. It is welcome and the Joint Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government, rather than the Seanad, should invite the new director to appear. I acknowledge the speed and efficiency in setting out the interview process and independently determining a suitable and capable candidate.