Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We are losing the independence of an organisation that has built up confidence. The EPA will have some unsavoury things to enforce when it comes to sectoral plans, climate change and making sure we stay within the parameters as set out in the Bill. I very much hope, and have a vested interest in hoping, that the words the Minister of State used about the most efficient and cost-effective way of doing something will not jump up and bite us all in the future. It is more important that the organisation operates independently, is focused on its functions, and is distinct. I regret that the Minister of State will not accept this amendment. This is not a merger. If the RPII is to be subsumed by the EPA, the least the Government could do is provide some assurance that there will be an exclusive focus on its remit, rather than make that part of the range of the EPA's functions.

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