An inquiry into alleged conflict of interest in An Bord Pleanála has been extended to the end of July.
Earlier this year, the Minister for Housing appointed Senior Counsel Remy Farrell to prepare a report over allegations in relation to a board member of An Bord Pleanála, allegations which have been denied by the board member concerned.
In the Dáil this morning, Minister of State at the Department of Housing Peter Burke said Mr Farrell had requested that his inquiry be extended to 29 July.
The request was received yesterday afternoon at 3pm and approved by Minister Darragh O'Brien.
However Labour leader Ivana Bacik, acknowledging that the report has now been extended, reiterated her call that the Dáil still be granted an opportunity to debate the operation of An Bord Pleanála before the summer recess, which is due to begin in mid-July.
Ms Bacik told Minister O'Brien "we don't have any commitment from you as to whether or not it [the report] will be published by you, even in redacted form, and as to when we will see a Dáil debate".
In response Junior Minister Mr Burke said it was important to see the report before such a debate took place.
He also told Ms Bacik that the findings would be "dealt with in a very transparent manner".
Mr Burke said that the Department wanted to ensure that Mr Farrell is given sufficient time to complete the report, adding "It is exceptionally important for the State that it is got right".
