Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I understand that when the Chairman, on behalf of the committee, forwarded the legislative proposal in question in December, it was acknowledged and an indication was given by the Minister at the time that, in line with the committee's thinking, there was a need for a consultative process to be undertaken. I understand Sustainable Energy Ireland and other stakeholders are being consulted by the Minister.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is also involved with foreshore licensing. The Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, indicated, in correspondence with the committee, his preparedness to engage with it over the coming period on its proposals as well as on how best to progress necessary legislative change, with its own proposals being part of that consideration. An invitation to the Minister to return to the committee and see what the current situation is would be helpful to the committee.

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