Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My questions are similar. In our system we have groups such as Teagasc, which is an agricultural research body. It contains much of the cutting-edge thinking about what can be done. It seemed strange to cut it out of an advisory council when many of the issues will be with regard to how agriculture can be adapted. The other issue is that although the EPA is a State body it is in itself quite independent with independent enforcement powers. It is a spur to improvement in many of the key areas where we need to see change, certainly with regard to waste management and biodiversity. We could say the same of some of the other bodies that are there. They bring an expertise. In a small country that does not have access to huge amounts of independent research capability, it seems if we can put in place a legislative framework that does not undermine the independence of the council then having these people there would be a good thing.