Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 13: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied that all building in the docklands area of Dublin is compliant with the planning schemes for the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16066/10]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 39: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legal position of buildings constructed in the docklands areas that were granted planning permission by Section 25; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16061/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 39 together.

On foot of my request to the Chair of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority last Autumn, to undertake a review of corporate governance within the Authority, two comprehensive independent consultants' reports were commissioned by the Authority to assess its planning and financial procedures.

One of the reports, prepared by Declan Brassil and Company, Chartered Planning Consultants, considered the planning procedures of the Authority and indicated that some consents granted under section 25 of the 1997 Dublin Docklands Development Authority Act (as amended) could be construed as diverging from the requirements of the governing planning scheme.

While it would be premature to comment in detail on specific aspects of the DDDA's reports until the final reports are submitted, considered by Government, and subsequently published by me, I wish to acknowledge that the Brassil Report also reviewed improvements introduced to DDDA planning practices, under Professor Brennan's chairmanship of the Authority. I understand that the planning report will indicate that the majority of the issues identified in relation to planning administrative procedures have been adequately addressed.

It is important that due care is taken to ensure that unnecessary doubt is not cast on the validity of DDDA consents. I will be considering this matter prior to publication of the final reports, taking account of advice from the Attorney General. Prudent consideration has not been aided by the premature leaking of details of the reports.