John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 505: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will establish a rezoning review board to scrutinise rezoning decisions; the likely cost of such a body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14330/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Land use and zoning decisions are generally local government functions in other jurisdictions. Subsidiarity in the taking of decisions at the lowest appropriate level is a principle which has been endorsed at international and national level. I consider, therefore, that efforts should continue to be directed at making local responsibility for zoning in Ireland operate to high standards of probity and efficiency; rather than to make all zoning decisions subject to central supervision and review. The key challenge is to ensure openness, probity, fairness and efficiency in the operation of the planning system.

The Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Local Government Act 2001 introduced a number of measures in this regard. Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2001 introduced a comprehensive ethics regime for councillors and local government employees which came into effect on 1 January 2003. The regime includes annual declaration of interests, disclosure of interests as a matter arises and a public register of interests. The regime was further enhanced by the national codes of conduct for councillors and employees which issued last year.

The Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments also has a mandate to issue recommendations in relation to such amendments to planning, local government, ethics in public office and any other relevant legislation as the tribunal considers appropriate having regard to its findings. I will consider any such recommendations when the tribunal makes its final report.

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 506: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the revenue raised in 2004 by the €20 fee payable by those who make submissions or objections on planning applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14331/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The total amount of fees which planning authorities reported receiving in 2003 for the making of submissions on planning applications was €542,938. The total amount received in planning application fees, net of refunds, was in the order of €40.6 million. Corresponding information for 2004 is not yet available.