Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators Boyhan and Higgins for their contributions. Amendment No. 13 seeks to insert a provision that provides for the laying of a report by the Minister before both Houses post the introduction of these proposed legislative amendments. Specifically, it seeks to impose a ministerial obligation to lay a report before both Houses of the Oireachtas within 18 months of the passing of this Act, outlining data on substitute consent applications received and-or granted, any impacts identified in respect of other planning applications, and the relevant exceptional circumstance in respect of each successful application.

While I understand the intention behind the proposed amendment, I am opposing amendment No. 13 as existing planning reporting arrangements are already in place that are robust and fit for purpose. All planning decisions and related information are published promptly to the website of An Bord Pleanála and specific arrangements are in place to allow Members of both Houses to make direct inquiries of the board in relation to substitute consent planning matters. For these reasons, I am opposing amendment No. 13.

I am confident that all of the detail in terms of the assessment of exceptionality criteria will be detailed and published on the website of An Bord Pleanála. All of the data will be centrally contained there, along with the assessment criteria.