Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On page 20 of the presentation it states the powers of the inspectors appointed by the Minister will be enhanced.

There is also reference to clarifying which offences will be prosecuted by the Minister and which by the Mining Board. One of the things we have successfully done in the past 25 years, both in Ireland and Europe, is create more bureaucracy and inspections. I come from a farming community which has been pestered by inspections that are of no significant consequence. We must take a common sense approach to these particular provisions, with no undue bureaucracy included in the legislation which would stifle people looking to engage in mineral extraction for the benefit of themselves or the State. At a meeting I attended the other night to discuss farming issues, a fellow attendee said to me that what the country needs is a Minister for common sense. The words "enhance the powers of inspectors" frighten me because I have seen what that type of thing has led to in other indigenous industries. I appeal to the witnesses to ensure the final version of this section reflects a common sense approach.