Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is four weeks from the date of publication of the ocean environmental policy. That is far too short for engagement. I want the officials to take this point away and to think about it. I would oppose this provision rigorously. It is not right. A public consultation period of four weeks is too tight. People have to be notified and engaged with, the time of year is a factor, etc. There are many factors that could shorten the period for some people.

The scheme reads: "If necessary and appropriate, the Minister shall revise the draft Ocean Environment Policy Statement to take into account any relevant considerations arising from public consultation." What is the degree of certainty around this? I hope it is not a meaningless exercise, with people just sending in submissions while the Minister has full discretion to accept, amend or reject them. This is a watery provision and I would like more certainty.

I am just flagging these issues. We are only engaging at this meeting. There is a great deal of talk about public participation, which is important, but will Mr. Cronin provide an example of a prescribed body? Where developments affecting the built heritage is concerned, for example, areas of architectural conservation or marine sensitive areas, it is a requirement that applications and proposals be referred to An Taisce and other environmental groups. What is the Department's view on prescribed bodies? Where are they in all of this? Other groups have been listed, but I do not see prescribed bodies like An Taisce. Some of these are funded by the State, but they have a voluntary element as well as community participation. Will Mr. Cronin tease this matter out for me?