asked the Minister for Local Government when it is proposed to introduce legislation to amend the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963.

The Local Government (Planning and Development) (No. 2) Bill, 1969 which is a Bill to amend the 1963 Act was introduced in the Díil by my predecessor on 16th July, 1969. It has not had a Second Reading. In my Estimates speech last year to the Dáil, I stated I was having this Bill examined in the light of my experience and that of the Parliamentary Secretary in dealing with planning appeals. This examination has now reached an advanced stage and I would hope to indicate a decision in regard to legislation in the near future.

The Minister has had considerable experience of the Planning Act and surely he should be able to give us a view on this matter rather than to say it is still under review?

They have been considering it only for the past three years. We cannot expect them to rush themselves.

It is a separate question.

The Minister is only finding his feet.