I propose to take Questions Nos. 1507, 1509 and 1511 together.
A range of legislative reforms in the area of enforcement were introduced in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010, including:
removal of the 7-year time-limit for taking enforcement proceedings against unauthorised extractive industry developments;
an increase in the minimum fines for persons convicted under section 156 of the 2000 Planning Act; and
new requirements on planning authorities to issue enforcement notices or seek an injunction where unauthorised development has taken place and no satisfactory action has been taken.
My Department is initiating a wider review of the planning enforcement regime to determine what further steps need to be taken to improve the system. Among the measures under consideration is the scope to develop specific enforcement standards or a statutorily-based code of practice for planning authorities with the aim of delivering more consistent enforcement approaches throughout the country and highlighting statutory requirements and standards to be complied with. Consideration is also being given to enhancing the existing Planning Enforcement Extranet Site which enables planning authorities to share information on key planning enforcement issues and to develop best practice approaches to addressing problems in this area. The need for specialist training for planning enforcement staff to ensure that policy reforms are being implemented consistently and effectively, especially in the context of complex extractive industry enforcement cases, will also be explored.