Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Feb 1998

Vol. 486 No. 3

Written Answers. - Planning Tribunal.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

71 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the date on which he issued the warrant of appointment for the sole member of the tribunal of inquiry arising from the resolution passed by Dáil Éireann on 7 October 1997; if all requests for facilities and staff from the sole member have been met; the steps, if any, he will take to assist the sole member in expediting the opening of the tribunal in view of the fact that it is more than two months since the Dáil resolution was passed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22722/97]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

By order of 4 November, 1997, I appointed Mr. Justice Feargus Flood, Judge of the High Court, as sole member of the tribunal into certain planning matters. All requests for facilities and staff have been met. Accommodation for the tribunal has been made available and fitted out in the Clocktower Building, Dublin Castle and the necessary computer and office equipment has also been installed. A registrar and a legal team to the tribunal have been appointed and executive and clerical support staff have also been provided. I have assured the tribunal that such other resources or expertise as may be required will be made available to the tribunal.

The work of the tribunal is now under way. It held its first public hearing on Wednesday, 14 January to hear requests for representation before the tribunal and met again on 2 February 1998 to announce decisions on these requests.

The tribunal is due to make a further interim report to the Clerk of the Dáil before the end of February 1998. The timing of public hearings is a matter entirely for the sole member. I have no intention of interfering in any way with the performance of his functions.