Dáil debates

Wednesday, 30 September 2015

Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015: Report Stage (Resumed)

 

4:10 pm

Photo of Paudie CoffeyPaudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am disappointed with Deputy Stanley's cynical attitude towards this. There is nothing semi-secret in this process. It is a transparent process and will stand on its merit.

The proposed amendments call for the shortening of the timeframe for publication by the expert advisory council of its annual report, following its submission to the Minister, from 30 days to ten days. By way of explanation for what is already in the Bill, the 30-day timeframe is to provide an opportunity for the annual report to be seen by the Government before it is published. I hasten to add that there is no intention or, indeed, provision for the Government to seek to alter or amend the annual report in any way. The 30-day timeframe is merely to afford this opportunity and courtesy to the Government.

I do not believe that a maximum 30-day wait for publication could be said to constitute any undue or untoward delay. The annual report will be published in full by the expert advisory council and without any interference whatsoever. Accordingly, I cannot support these amendments.

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