Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do not propose to accept this amendment. The reason, as with the previous amendment, is that we have to decide what is proportionate and sensible to put into primary legislation, as opposed to dealing with it through policy and regulation. For example, the particular proposal the Deputy is putting forward will be accommodated fully in the scheme and the regulations. The amendment does not mention archaeological sites in the area and how they would interact with the scheme, or water courses, biodiversity, habitats and the wider environment. If we start being prescriptive in primary legislation, where do we draw the line? That is the key question. It is therefore important that we deal with the appropriate things in regulation and policy as opposed to primary legislation. That is why I do not believe it is appropriate to put this in the Bill today.

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