asked the Minister for Local Government the date on which a planning appeal from a person (details supplied) in relation to a proposed bungalow at Coolcotts, Wexford, was received in his Department; the present position regarding the appeal; and the reasons for the delay in having the matter decided.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wexford Planning Appeal.
39.
The appeal in this case was received in my Department on the 29th November, 1971. I have determined the appeal and I regret the long delay in dealing with it which is inexcusable. The decision is permission with conditions. It is scandalous that somebody should apply for permission on appeal two years ago and I was not aware of it until a few days ago. It is now being dealt with.
Could the Minister indicate how if this was on his desk since he came into office, apparently he was not aware of it until a few days ago.
I did not say that.
The Minister implied it. It was in his Department.
I said in my Department. The whole Department does not sit on my desk. In fact, the case was being dealt with elsewhere and it was not put up to me. It is not the only one I found over two years old. I am sorry: I regret that people have had to wait that length of time and I am endeavouring to ensure that kind of thing will cease. It is not the officials' fault in many cases either.
Did the Minister not say that it only came to his notice in the last few days?
Yes. When Deputy Browne's question came in, I asked for it.
I hope the Minister will look at the procedure whereby that can happen.
I have been looking at it.
Is Deputy Colley not aware that there were several decisions hanging fire for three or four or five years in the time of the Minister's predecessor? Let us clear the decks first——
They are cleared now.
——from the scum of Fianna Fáil who were in that position.
I am not in the position of having to reply to the Deputy but I am not so aware.
The Chair is calling the next business, the Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 1973.
(Interruptions.)
This is completely disorderly.