Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien has told the Dáil that the public must have trust in the impartiality and integrity of the planning system if it is to function effectively in facilitating sustainable development.
He was speaking during statements on An Bord Pleanála which has been plunged into controversy following allegations of wrongdoing against former deputy chairperson Paul Hyde.
Mr Hyde resigned his position in July and he denies any wrongdoing.
The Minister said he would shortly bring proposals to cabinet to overhaul the appointments process to the board of An Bord Pleanála.
This will be underpinned by legislation.
"It is intended that this process will reflect modern best practice for recruitment to senior executive positions within the Irish public service," he said.
"This plan will also outline a range of additional measures to improve the operation of An Bord Pleanála to deliver an efficient and high quality planning decision-making service in accordance with the highest standards of corporate governance."
A report into the allegations of wrongdoing has been carried out by barrister Remy Farrell but it has not yet been published.
Mr O'Brien told the Dáil that he has not yet received the conclusions of a separate internal review of the allegations which was instigated by the chairman Dave Walsh.
"I understand that this internal report will consider other allegations, including a review of a number of decided cases where public commentary has raised issues and concerns around the procedures and processes applied in those cases," he said.
The Office of the Planning Regulator is also conducting a review into An Bord Pleanála's systems and procedures.
Sinn Féin's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin said An Bord Pleanála was in "deep, deep crisis" and he called for urgent reform.
