Dr. Orla Kelleher:

Following Dr. Ryall's point, according to United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, more than 150 countries have some kind of constitutional provision relating to environmental protection, the majority of which are by way of rights and some by way of duties. For example, the South African constitution has a recognition of both individual and collective environmental rights. The French environmental charter, which has constitutional status, is also quite detailed. However, whatever is designed for Ireland needs to be appropriate to the Irish constitutional context. That is why we are trying to hammer home the importance of the design, bringing together experts who understand the Irish constitutional context and these international environmental examples.

I am not aware of any polling in Ireland on support for environmental rights, other than the assembly. However, the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, has done interesting polling on climate change. In that context, over 85% of the public are very concerned about climate change. As the committee will be aware, there is a growing awareness of environmental concerns.