Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My understanding is that the amendment is an insertion into Part 2 under section 23. Part 2 of the Bill clearly relates to the "Process of Aircraft Noise Regulation" but the amendment will insert the new, up-to-date statutory instrument, which will be of benefit to residents who live in close proximity to the airport because it refers to the newest and most up-to-date regulation. The section also refers to the appropriate assessment of the environment in accordance with the habitats directive. Importantly, the amendment which we requested in deliberations between Committee Stage and Report Stage will insert, "In this Part, health aspects shall be assessed in accordance with the Environmental Noise Directive and the European Communities (Environmental Noise) Regulations 2018".

Will the Minister clarify that the amendment is of benefit to the Bill, that it is an improvement to the Bill and, most importantly, that it will alleviate the concerns of the residents who have genuine fears that the health aspects of the Bill have been somewhat diluted? At the previous session in which we debated the Bill, the Minister's defence of many amendments that he had submitted was quite poor. There needs to be greater clarity and assurance. The Minister must take the opportunity during the debate to answer some of the questions I have asked about the resources, openness and transparency as to why he has opted for Fingal County Council. Unfortunately, at the previous session the Minister tried to play silly party politics and take pot shots at Deputy Mattie McGrath rather than answering serious questions that I had raised. Will the Minister take the opportunity of this debate to address not my concerns but those of many residents? He should forget about the silly politics of his public spats with his former friend and colleague, Deputy Mattie McGrath.

I wish also to set out my party's rationale for supporting Deputy Clare Daly's amendment in respect of the WHO. To be fair, the Minister's officials have led the debate on the matter and have been more helpful. Sometimes I wonder how much understanding of the legislation the Minister has. In our discussions with the officials, it was noted that the final page of the EU regulation states, "Based on work the WHO is currently undertaking regarding the methodology to assess health implications of the noise impact, the Commission intends to revise Annex III to Directive 2002/49/ EC". It is up to Deputy Clare Daly to explain her rationale but my understanding is that her reason for using a carbon copy of those words was the Minister's indication that he could not change anything that was not stated in the regulations. I recently informed the Minister that it was stated in the regulations and that, therefore, we would support Deputy Clare Daly's amendment to include it in the definitions.

The Minister gave an undertaking to me on the night that he would have that revisited and see whether he is able to do that. In his response to our concerns here, will he say whether that can be done or, in his opinion, if this insertion in section 9(23) will give effect to what we are seeking?

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