Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 12:

In page 9, line 13, to delete "24 months" and substitute "6 months".

The purpose this amendment is to substitute the timeframe of "6 months" for "24 months". The 24 months timeframe refers to the time that can be taken from the passing of the Act for the submission to Government of a plan to be known as the national climate change adaptation framework. The question that arises in this respect, as arose in respect of section 4 where the delay involved was 18 months, is why would we not do this now. There is such consensus, concern and an urgency about the environment that further delays do not seem to make any sense. We have known about this problem. There are papers prepared in the Department and there is plenty of research. We have the Nicholas Stern's report and his latest book is entitled "Why Are We Waiting?" He is a noted environmentalist of the highest standing and international repute. The purpose of my amendment is that we should do this and not delay doing so for another 24 months.