The head of An Bord Pleannála has promised to "take whatever actions" are needed to "maintain public confidence".
Chairperson Dave Walsh also revealed that an internal review of allegations of conflicts of interest is due in a fortnight, and undertook to publish it "subject to legal advice".
And he promised to "take account of any outcomes and proposed recommendations" from two external investigations underway, while acknowledging the "potential damage" to ABP's reputation from the ongoing controversy.
Mr Walsh told the Public Accounts Committee that his agency received €26 million in funding in 2020, more than €19 million of which came from the taxpayer - funds that the committee wants to ensure are used wisely.
Former Deputy Chairperson Paul Hyde resigned from An Bord Pleanála after an investigation was launched into multiple allegations of conflicts of interest, allegations which he denies.
A report by Remy Farrell SC - originally due in June - is now expected at the end of this month.
Asked if he was confident that ABP manages potential conflicts of interest effectively, Mr Walsh said: "I would say, kind of, in the main, kind of, when you're dealing with 3,000 cases a year."
Declaring any conflicts of interest "is a personal responsibility and a legal requirement", he added.
Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy noted that journalists had uncovered concerns over the legality of ABP's decisions.
He accused Mr Walsh of failing to protect the integrity of the planning process, and called on him to resign.
Imelda Munster asked if there is any oversight for declarations or disclosures made by the nine board members of ABP.
Were any checks carried out for any inconsistencies or omissions from year to year, the Sinn Féin Deputy asked.
"I have no oversight or checking role", Mr Walsh insisted. "The board secretary collates and gathers and examines all of the returns", and can flag any concerns.
Asked if the board secretary had raised any concerns, Mr Walsh replied, "None".
Updating the committee on its increasing workload, the An Bord Pleanála Chairperson said that activity in residential construction has led to a "marked increase in the planning sector".
The number of An Bord Pleanála decisions which are challenged also continues to rise, up to 95 in 2021, from 83 in 2020.
And there has been a "significant escalation of legal costs" to €8.4 million in 2020, Mr Walsh revealed.
Committee Cathaoirleach, Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley, noted that this is "an increase of €4.8m on 2019".
The provisional figure for 2021 is €7.7 million, the committee heard.
And the legal challenges which An Bord Pleanála lost rose from 32 in 2020 to 40 in 2021, Mr Walsh revealed.
Asked what his salary is, Mr Walsh replied, "I can't think of the latest number".
"Just over €200,000. I don't know what the exact figure is", he said.
He did not know the value of a salary bump he got in the past fortnight, adding that "money is not the motivation for the job that I do".
Deputy Munster suggested that it was "slightly over €11,000", noting that "most people" would know the value of any increase to their salary.
Mr Walsh also revealed that the salary for the deputy chairperson is "about €140,000".
