161General procedure for the consideration of submissions

161 General procedure for the consideration of submissions S. 161(1) amended by No. 6/2025 s. 161(2)(a). (1) In considering submissions, a panel— (a) must act according to equity and good conscience without regard to technicalities or legal forms; and (b) is bound by the rules of natural justice; and S. 161(1)(c) amended by No. 6/2025 s. 161(2)(b). (c) is not required to conduct any hearing in a formal manner; and (d) is not bound by the rules or practice as to evidence but may inform itself on any matter— (i) in any way it thinks fit; and (ii) without notice to any person who has made a submission. S. 161(2) substituted by No. 77/1996 s. 15. (2) A panel may require a planning authority or other body or person to produce any documents relating to any matter being considered by the panel under this Act which it reasonably requires[[24]](#endnote-25). (3) A panel may prohibit or regulate cross-examination in any hearing. S. 161(4) amended by No. 43/2025 s. 78(2). (4) A panel may consider evidence and further submissions from any person whom this Act requires it to hear. (5) Submissions and evidence may be given to the panel orally or in writing or partly orally and partly in writing. S. 161(6) inserted by No. 12/2021 s. 50. (6) A panel may require a person or the person's representative to appear and be heard— (a) at a specified time; and (b) in a specified manner, being— (i) in person at a specified location; or (ii) by audio link or audio visual link.