Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I can appreciate the annoyance of the members of the committee where explanatory memoranda were not made available. I note that and will ensure that in future all Departments are advised that explanatory memoranda on significant changes must be made available to Members.

This is complex legislation. It deals with the European Court of Justice judgment against Ireland on the non-transposition of the environmental impact assessments, habitats and public participation directives. If it is not enacted before the summer recess, Ireland will incur serious and heavy fines.

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