Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I have two questions for the Minister of State, on biodiversity and electoral reform.

First, on electoral reform, is the regulation of election posters still on the Minister of State's radar? Will he be considering the Electoral Act 1992, specifically section 111, which under certain circumstances requires people in the polling station to take an oath or make an affirmation under a presiding officer. If they do not want to make a religious oath, they have to declare that it is against their religious beliefs. In this day and age, it is not fair to require someone going to vote to make such a declaration to a public official. Their religion should really be their own business and they should not really have to declare it publicly or at a polling station. Are such matters being considered in respect of electoral reform?

Second, on biodiversity, I do a lot of walking, including hillwalking in national parks. Over recent years, especially the years of the pandemic, I have noticed that there have been many more people going outdoors to enjoy areas such as national parks. However, there is a downside in terms of erosion and damage to habitats. There is a lack of investment in walking infrastructure in Ireland by comparison with other countries and jurisdictions. That is taking its toll. When I was on the Howth special area amenity order management committee, I noted that good investment in paths was a really good way of giving walkers what they wanted while, more important, protecting habitats and keeping people on the paths. I am aware there is €6.5 million in capital funding for national parks and nature reserves. Has there been an assessment of the damage done in recent years, particularly owing to the increase in the number of walkers? Is this on the Minister of State's radar? Could this area be prioritised for additional resources?