Wilson hasnt figured out he is the Minister

Roy Beggs MLA, Ulster Unionist Party Spokesperson for the Environment has questioned the Minister for the Environment's strong criticisms of his own department. Minister Wilson has criticised the Planning Service's decision to reject an application to build a £90million, Aurora building in Belfast city centre. Mr. Beggs, whilst sympathising with many of Minister Wilson's arguments, has outlined his belief that the Minister's actions will only serve to demoralise staff in the Planning Service and his own Department.

In a statement Mr. Beggs said:

"The manner in which Sammy Wilson attacked the Planning Service, which he has responsibility for, was very surprising; the Minister appears to be acting like he is still a back-bencher and not the Minister who is ultimately responsible for planning and the Planning Service. His comments, which were quite cutting, will only serve to demoralise employees in the Planning Service and the Department. The Minister should be using his influence to address the situation internally not going on a public rant against his own Department".

"I do have some sympathy with the Minister's arguments in this case but if he is unhappy with the procedures and guidelines the Planning Service uses it is his job, through new legislation if necessary, to change those stipulations. He should be concentrating his energy on working behind the scenes to make the necessary changes to the planning system not publicly bullying his own Department - Sammy Wilson's actions do not bode well for the future management of his Department".

"In addition the Minister must look at the propriety of his position on Belfast City Council's Planning Committee; there is a potential conflict of interests in holding this position and being the Minister for the Environment as the Committee will consider major planning applications in the future".