Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

While the Bill, as initiated, makes reference to the climate action plan and other environmental considerations, I see the merit of examining the intent of this amendment, particularly to ensure the language in the Bill reflects fully the Department's commitment to the Government's climate objectives. Obviously, we must maintain the capacity of the planning system to effectively and appropriately evaluate a wide range of legitimate considerations which need to be balanced.

With this in mind, I will commit to liaising with both the Attorney General's office and the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications , Deputy Ryan. I will come back on Report Stage should any required amendments to the current drafting of the Bill be identified in relation to these amendments referred, and specifically Deputy Matthews's one and, I think, Deputy McAuliffe's. I would need to consult further. That is why I am not proposing to take them now but if they were to be withdrawn or not moved, as I said, to be clear, I will liaise with the Attorney General's office. I will liaise with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications as well because we want to make sure the language is consistent and it makes reference to the climate action Act.