227 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on establishing a local planning monitoring group within each local authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15432/07]

I am not clear what type of monitoring group is envisaged by the Deputy. Section 48 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that each city and county council must establish strategic policy committees (SPCs), comprising elected members and sectoral interests, to consider the formulation, development, monitoring and review of policy relating to local authority functions, including planning, and to advise the council on those matters.