Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce an elected members planning code of good practice in local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9469/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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My Department published draft development management guidelines for planning authorities in November 2005, which are intended to assist planning authorities in dealing with the planning application process. They aim to promote best practice in the processing of planning applications and have a strong customer service focus. Although primarily aimed at the management of the planning process, they recognise that councillors will have an interest in how the development plan they are responsible for adopting is applied. The guidelines also note that individual councillors, in their representative capacity, are entitled to make submissions and should be kept informed on particular applications. They further note that the use of information technology systems can provide councillors with a range of relevant information, thus saving time in responding to routine queries.

A code of conduct for councillors was issued in June 2004 under the Local Government Act 2001. The code represents a standard against which the conduct of elected members in the performance of their duties can be judged. The code is also intended to inform the public of the standards of behaviour it has a right to expect and so help to maintain and enhance public trust and confidence. It covers areas such as general conduct and behaviour, conflict of personal and public interest, planning, gifts, hospitality, personal dealings with local authority, regard for council resources and satisfactory working relationships. It is not proposed to introduce a separate code of good practice in planning matters for elected members.