Fórsa members at An Bord Pleanála (ABP) have spoken out about their concerns about “serious damage to the hard-won reputation for integrity” of the national planning body.

They have also criticised circumstances which has seen media organisations gain access to important internal reports which have not been released to the public or staff.

In a brief statement issued this week, the Fórsa branch at ABP, which is part of the union’s Services and Enterprises division, sought to reiterate: “In the interests of transparency and public disclosure all such reports should be made available to the public.

“Staff fully support the efforts of senior management and the new Interim Chair to get to the bottom of claims of impropriety within the Board.

“Staff are fully willing to engage with the Senior Counsel appointed by the Chair to investigate all allegations.”

The statement by Fórsa members at ABP said allegations associated with a small number of individuals have caused serious damage to the hard won reputation for integrity of the organisation: “Fórsa notes that no members of the union have been subject to any allegations and the union supports strong action to deal with real or perceived conflicts of interest.”