Reported allegations of conflicts of interest in An Bord Pleánala are set to examined, the Housing Minister has confirmed.

In a statement, Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien said: "I am aware of allegations published in relation to a board member of An Bord Pleanála recently, allegations which have been denied by the member concerned.

"I have appointed Remy Farrell, S.C. to provide a report to inform my consideration of the matter.

"Pending the outcome of these considerations, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.

"An Bord Pleanála is independent in the performance of its functions under the Planning and Development Act."

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Sinn Féin representative Brian Stanley has welcomed the statement and announced An Bord Pleanála has now been placed on the committee work programme for an appearance in the near future.

Teachta Stanley commented: "The planning process of An Bord Pleanála has been questioned and it is very important that such allegations are thoroughly examined and any possible conflicts of interest that may have arisen are investigated.

"It is essential that An Bord Pleanála has the highest standards possible in its planning process, and that it is seen to uphold those standards.

"For those reasons, I welcome Minister O'Brien's announcement that there will be an examination carried out by barrister Remy Farrell.

"The veracity of the allegations made are not proven at this point, however, instances like this underline the need for the Oireachtas to consider potential reforms of the operation and processes of An Bord Pleanála.

"As Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, I can confirm that An Bord Pleanála has been added to our work programme to come before the committee in the near future.

"There needs to be a review of the function of An Bord Pleanála with a focus on substantial reforms."