I said they are seeking arbitration.

Is there provision within the programme for Government to place on a statutory basis the length of time An Bord Pleanála presides over appeals? One application that was brought to my attention this week involved applicants who been in the process for three years. Despite the fact that the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government has said that increased resources and staff are being made available to An Bord Pleanála in this time of national crisis in respect of the housing sector and the provision of housing, it is appalling to think that a one-off house cannot be dealt with adequately within the time assigned by the board. If that is the case, why can the Government not bring forward legislation to put it on a statutory basis to deal with it in a timely manner, which An Bord Pleanála should do anyway?

There is no commitment in the programme for Government to do that but there is a commitment to strengthen the staff and resources of An Bord Pleanála. It has gone through much reform that has resulted in a lot of success and fast-track planning. It is something we can certainly look at because these issues come up a lot with regard to length of time but the staffing issue must help resolve some of that. However, I am prepared to look at it.