Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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I thank Deputy Matthews. I have certainly given that commitment. We see the word "environment" as being sufficient. In the broader context, and given the commitments I have already outlined on biodiversity and climate specifically, and on strengthening the Bill, we will certainly give consideration to looking at this and specifically at the word "climate". I think "environment" is sufficient but we will look at it.

Amendment No. 763 relates to section 144, on revocation or modification of permission by a Minister. This relates to section 144, which enables the Minister to intervene in certain instances, and upon the request of the Ministers for Justice and Foreign Affairs and Defence, to revoke a permission directly, in the event of threat to the security of the State, the State’s relations with other states or a public health emergency as recently utilised during the Covid-19 pandemic. It seeks to include "harmful to the climate and environment" to this list but this is too broad in scope for such a direct emergency power to be invoked. I cannot accept the amendment.