Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Deputies Ó Snodaigh and Bacik for their contributions. By way of reassurance on a point made by Deputy Ó Snodaigh, I note the fantastic work we have put in so far in our attempts to make this Bill stronger. Deputy Ó Snodaigh has done that. The Government has taken on board many of the proposals he has brought forward through our own amendments. In fact, the majority of our amendments are to give effect to addressing the concerns and points raised by Deputies and Senators. Deputy Ó Snodaigh has certainly brought great strength to this legislation.

The point around context and surrounding areas that Deputy Bacik raised is critically important. The fact that the determination of a surrounding area can be added to a register is important to the issue of terminology in terms of context not having any relation to the planning Bill. If the Deputy can accept that, it is the case.

Deputy Ó Snodaigh spoke about Sinéad Mercier's publication, which I was not aware of and I would be interested in getting a copy from him. This Bill goes beyond that which has been set out in the Valletta and Unidroit Conventions. If anything, such conventions are framed in a very vague way to make them internationally acceptable. What we have done here is very specific. I am proud that what we are doing with this Bill will go beyond what is required in the Valletta Convention.

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