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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

An Bord Pleanála controversy

Summary

Deputy Mattie McGrath objected to the Order of Business and called for an urgent debate on controversy surrounding An Bord Pleanála and the wider housing and planning crisis. He pressed for the Minister to come to the House and explain the matter.

I acknowledge the hard work of the staff of the Business Committee. After many phone calls, matters were pushed onto the committee by the Government. We had decisions to make within an hour. I object to the Order of Business, due to the ongoing controversy surrounding An Bord Pleanála. We need an urgent debate. We have a housing crisis which we have never seen the like of. An Bord Pleanála's carry-on and questionable behaviour in many cases is not helping. There is no confidence in it. It is the highest planning authority in the land. Nothing would be found out but for judicial reviews. These judicial reviews cost money. People need a proper functioning An Bord Pleanála, which we do not have. It is mostly political cronies of two Government parties, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil - I have the list here. The Taoiseach can nod all he likes. All his friends are in An Bord Pleanála now. He cannot deny it. It is the same with the Electoral Reform Bill. You have not changed your spots. The leopard never changes its spots. I am glad to be away from ye, that is one thing that is sure and certain. I am still trying to get rid of the spots.

Comment on this

The Deputy's time is up.

Comment on this

We need a debate on the carry-on of An Bord Pleanála. We need to have the Minister in and to have a full Dáil debate.

Comment on this