Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to add to what Senator Boyhan said about transparency. Publication in Iris Oifigiúil is one element of this but how the members of the board of the agency are appointed, what interests they must declare, the manner of their appointment, the constitutional balance of the board and how often the board must report to the Minister are all elements of transparency. We heard about the importance of policy and the input of local authorities but it is important to remember that an authority's powers under section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001 are still limited in this legislation. That is the most important area of policy in respect of the disposal of land and it needs to be addressed. We also talk about local development plans. Many such plans are still in development. Is it the old plan or the new plan that gets an input? When talking about transparency and engagement with local authorities, many constructive proposals have been made that would strengthen these areas of the Bill. This amendment regarding Iris Oifigiúil is one of them.