Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I disagree fundamentally with the Senator's use of the term "opportunistic". That is certainly not the case and I reiterate that this is about building greater transparency and robustness in our planning system. We are responding to the concerns and this is about restoring confidence and about transparency and accountability. I refer to section 6 on skills, competency and suitability. I agree wholeheartedly with the Senator in terms of public ownership and participation in decision-making and I hold that sacrosanct. We want to ensure the public still has the right to be democratically involved in the planning system and the making of development plans and by having a say in projects, which is critically important.

On amendment No. 20, I am absolutely aware of the issue raised by the Irish Rural Dwellers Association and the problems that caused in relation to the panel system, however, I do not accept the amendment. The Government has decided to end the outdated closed system of nominating bodies deciding who to put forward for board appointments and is instead putting in place an open competitive process by which any member of the public can apply to become a member of the board of An Bord Pleanála.