Rebecca Moynihan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 3:

In page 5, after line 26, to insert the following:

“Amendment of section 102 of Act of 2000

3. Section 103 of the Act of 2000 is amended by the substitution of the following subsection for subsection (2): “(2) (a) The Board shall perform the functions assigned to it by this Act.

(b) The Board and every member and officer of the Board shall be independent in the performance of his, her or its functions.”.”.

This amendment is fairly self-explanatory. There is a concern that this Bill is a ministerial power grab with regard to appointments to the board. This amendment copper-fastens the fact that every member of the board should be independent in his or her performance of functions. I will not speak to the issues that have arisen in the public domain with regard to An Bord Pleanála for various reasons, but there is a concern that certain people are fulfilling Government agendas as opposed to proper, independent planning functions. This copper-fastens it.