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

I thank Professor Crowe for the clarification. Earlier he made the point very well about how successful co-creation can be. He gave really good examples of marine areas. We all want to see a reduction in conflict and as much conservation as possible. Often the best way to get conservation is through practical measures on which everyone can agree because enforcement can only take you so far. If you can get buy-in, there will be a much better outcome for the marine environment. Most of the time in any of these situations, you can get buy-in if the effort is put in. Obviously there will always be some bad faith actors and you must have the systems to deal with that. Many people will operate in good faith if they are included. I think Professor Crowe has made some important points.

Like the Chair, I want to mention the importance of carbon sequestration, which Professor Crowe mentioned in his opening statement. Last week, we emphasised to the Department the importance of carbon-rich habitats, for example, and how they are not mentioned in the Bill. Just because something is not mentioned in the Bill does not mean it cannot happen. Given the importance of carbon-rich habitats, and carbon sequestration, should it be more explicit in the Bill? Does Professor Crowe have a view on the matter? Is it okay that it is not mentioned?