Labour leader Ivana Bacik has said she is aware of a case where somebody has demanded a payment of more than €500,000 in return for withdrawing a planning objection.
Speaking during Leaders' Questions in the Dáil, Ms Bacik said correspondence in this case had been drawn to the attention of An Bord Pleanála.
She also highlighted an RTÉ Investigates programme, which was broadcast this week on planning issues, and said "we have to act to address abuses in the planning system".
Ms Bacik called for new measures to be introduced into the Planning and Development Bill, which is currently before the Oireachtas, to make "this behaviour a standalone offence".
In response, Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien said that he found the RTÉ Investigates programme "shocking but not surprising".
He said these practices were "disgraceful" and "a form of bribing", which "slowed down" the planning system.
The minister said if there were amendments brought forward by the opposition to the Planning and Development Bill he would be open to considering them.
He added he had consulted the Attorney General on the issue and there was also existing criminal legislation that could be used on the issue.
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