Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The principal purpose of the Bill is to amend the Heritage Act 1995 on foot of the report of the critical review of the Heritage Council, to make provision for the regulation of cutting or burning of vegetation and to provide for clarification of the powers of authorised officers under the Wildlife Acts. The Bill also makes provision to amend the Canals Act 1986 to provide enabling provisions in primary legislation for by-laws for the regulation of the use of the canals and other canal property.

At our meeting on 25 April, the committee completed its consideration of amendments Nos. 1 to 19, inclusive. Today we will continue with our consideration of amendments.

I again welcome the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Madigan, and her officials from the Department.

I remind members to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the broadcasting of the meeting. In light of the progress the select committee made in its consideration on 25 April, my aim is that the committee will conclude its consideration of Committee Stage of the Bill during this afternoon's meeting. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I refer members to the grouping of amendments.