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

As the Deputy has outlined, this relates to the security and defence of the State, our relations with other states, and public health, as can be seen on the top of page 285, in paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii). The circumstances for revocation or modification must be very clearly defined. First, it is with the approval of the Government. A request from the Department of Justice would concern State security, a request from the Department of Foreign Affairs or the Department of Defence would relate to the State's relations with other states, and a request from the Minister for Health would relate to public health. I fully agree with the Deputy that the climate is an emergency, but it is ongoing. The legislation relates to specific matters that might actually affect public health or the security of the State. Unquestionably, the climate crisis is an ongoing challenge that the State has to grapple with, but I envisage more specific measures in respect of which a Minister would have to submit to the Government a proposal for its agreement on revoking or modifying in the public interest. The climate crisis is ongoing and an issue we all need to grapple with, as we all agree, but the issues envisaged are more like emerging issues, such as another pandemic. I take the point on communications because cybersecurity is now a big area concerning the State. The State's relations with other states are very much driven by communications. I refer, for argument's sake, to a threat to undersea cables or the IT infrastructure within the State itself.