Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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224. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the implications that the recent enquiry into the affairs of An Bord Pleanála have for the status of previous decisions by the Board; and if the Board can proceed as envisaged with those decisions. [52516/22]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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In the light of the media reports which raised a number of matters in relation to conflicts of interest and certain other matters, the Chairperson of the Board announced in May 2022 that he had established an internal team of senior management personnel to examine a sample of decided cases. The purpose of this internal review is to identify whether there are specific risks to compliance with the internal controls, systems and procedures under the Board’s relevant Statutory Framework and Code of Conduct and whether any other specific matter needs to be brought to the Chairperson’s attention.

The Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála has informed me that he will update me in respect of the outcome of the review and recommended actions, following consultation with the Board’s legal advisors after the internal review is finalised.

An Bord Pleanála ('the Board') is independent in the performance of its functions under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is specifically precluded from exercising power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or the Board is or may be concerned.

An Bord Pleanála have confirmed that the status of decisions which have already been made by the Board remains unchanged.