Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies for their contributions. I look forward to further discussion on Committee Stage and Report Stage. As engaged as Opposition Deputies were during the debate, they are not in the Chamber to listen to my answers. While critical of the non-attendance of certain Ministers, they head off in a manner that is, to put it mildly, typical.

The 21 days for the non-use of vehicles applies to all vehicles, including heavy goods vehicles. This was a specific question. A mix of sentiment was expressed about Killarney National Park. I note the support of Deputy Tom Fleming from Kerry. Many contributions suggest Deputies have not read the provisions of the Bill. I hope they engage in constructive manner on Committee and Report Stages.

The day-to-day management of Killarney National Park is carried out by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which will not change. The only change is a legal or technical change in ownership, which transfers from the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, to the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. There were significant discussion about regulations that apply to smoky coal. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd was correct in his analysis that there is no impact on other fuels such as wood and peat, notwithstanding the contributions we have heard. The concerns about illegal dumping will be addressed in further detail on Committee Stage as will many of the other points relevant, which will be comprehensively dealt with as the Bill progresses.

In my capacity as the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs, I see the Houses of the Oireachtas as the correct place to debate Irish law. We play an equal role in the discussion and agreement of directives and regulation as an equal partner within the EU. This is an important point. We are all aware of the importance of reducing the administrative burden of over-regulation on all citizens of Europe. There is insignificant movement in that space, particularly from First Vice President Timmermans in reducing the administrative burden on the citizens of the European Union.

Great strides have been made in recent years in advancing the legislative framework to protect the environment. The Bill will help to underpin and consolidate progress by providing licensing and enforcement authorities with commonsense practical tools to allow them to fulfil their statutory obligations effectively and efficiently. It also removes a number of minor ambiguities and enactments, providing greater clarity to authorities and the public alike. I thank Deputies for their contributions and look forward to the next Stages.

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