Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

At the time of the formation of this Government the programme for Government stated specifically that the Government wanted to do consultation in a new way. It was to be proper consultation and not simply a tick-the-box exercise. The idea was that we really listen with respect to the views before the public service makes a policy decision. Does the Minister believe it is appropriate, therefore, that the public consultation in regard to the burning of vegetation regulations and the strategic plan for the Skellig islands was announced and issued late on Friday, 21 December, the last Friday before Christmas? Does the Minister believe that was an appropriate approach to public consultation given the intention set out in the programme for Government on how the Government will do public consultation properly?

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