Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Senators. First, I will address the comments from Senator Boyhan in relation to the chief planning officer. While his suggestions have merits, the directors of services have strategic leadership responsibilities in each local authority and a management role. They are equipped with several different competencies and do not just have a single profession or area of expertise. In all local authorities, we have a senior grade planner who looks after the functions in this respect or be the lead planner in relation to how the local authority operates. We will certainly examine the merits of having a chief planning officer. It is important that we seek to establish whether the appetite is there in local authorities for such a role and we will respond to the Senator in this regard.

Senator Higgins referred to the review of the lobbying register. That is currently in progress. Regarding the Senator's comments on the Aarhus Convention compliance committee, the report, which focuses on one aspect of the Bill and is based on that committee's interpretation, is currently with the Office of the Attorney General, as I said. It is being interpreted and we must respond to the committee by September. We have given that commitment. We will consider all matters and be guided by the views of the Attorney General. The report is being actively reviewed and we await a final outcome in this regard.