Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 328: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has examined the reasons local authorities have set their development levy schemes at different levels; his views on an acceptable level of levy for a house that is unsecured, and for one that is secured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8110/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Development contributions are levied by each planning authority on the basis of a development contribution scheme which sets out how contributions will apply in its area. Such schemes had to be adopted by all planning authorities by 10 March 2004. The level of contribution and the types of development to which development contribution schemes should apply was determined at local level, with responsibility resting with the elected members in each area.

While the Department did not advise planning authorities on the appropriate amounts to be levied in respect of any individual type of development, authorities were advised by way of circular letter PD 4 of 2003 that, while it was expected that the planning authority should ensure that developers make an appropriate contribution towards the costs of public infrastructure and facilities, the local authority should take care to avoid development contributions that are excessively high. In addition, authorities were advised to be mindful of the policies adopted by other local authorities in their immediate area when devising and implementing development contribution schemes as major divergence in the level of contributions may be difficult to defend.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 329: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on the present composition of An Bord Pleanála; the way in which the members are appointed; the duration of their term; the number of members of the board who sit on each decision making process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8113/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Members of An Bord Pleanála are appointed under section 106 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. There are currently nine members of the board; a new member is due to be appointed from 4 April 2005. A list of members is set out in the table below:

Ordinary members are appointed from among persons selected by prescribed organisations set out at article 64 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. The organisations represent a wide range of interests to give a balanced group of people with diverse backgrounds who can reach a balanced view on the issues with which the board would be concerned. In addition, the 2000 Act sets down specific procedures for the appointment of the chairperson and one ordinary member to be appointed from among the officers of the Minister who are established civil servants for the purposes of the Civil Service Regulation Act 1956.

The term of office of the chairperson is seven years. However, the incumbent may be reappointed by the Government for a second or subsequent term. The Minister may specify the term of office of an ordinary member but this term may not exceed five years. An ordinary member may be reappointed for a second or subsequent term of office.

Section 108 of the 2000 Act provides that a quorum for a meeting of the board consists of not less than three members. Section 112 of the 2000 Act further provides that, for the speedy dispatch of the business of the board, the board may act by divisions which consist of not less than three members. However, where the chairperson considers an appeal or referral to be of particular complexity or significance, he or she may transfer it to a meeting of all available members of the board.