Board's conduct code explained

The chairman of An Bord Pleanála, Mr John O'Connor, has written to the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment and Local Government to point out that no member of his board is a member of An Taisce.

Mr O'Connor said that under the board's code of conduct no board member nor any of its inspectors would be allowed to be a member of An Taisce "or any other group with an interest in planning matters".

The issue was raised at Thursday's meeting of the Oireachtas Committee, when Kerry TD Mr Jackie Healy-Rae said there were similarities between the approaches of both bodies and asked to be allowed to question Mr O'Connor on any links between them. Deputy Healy-Rae added: "Is it right or wrong for me to ask are they members of An Taisce?"

While the committee chairman indicated that it was wrong to ask, Mr O'Connor answered the question.

The Independent TD for Sligo Leitrim, Ms Marian Harkin, has also questioned what, if any, links existed between both bodies, and if An Taisce had a role in the appointment of the chairman of Bord Pleanála.

Yesterday Mr O'Connor said that, under legislation, An Taisce was one of a number of advisory groups which had a role in vetting a new chairman, but he repeated that it was simply one of a number of such organisations which vetted the chairman, whose appointment was overseen by a judge of the High Court.