Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

One item I did not get to respond to was that raised by Deputy Matthews. He made a very important point regarding the national biodiversity action plan. Due to the engagement we had on Committee Stage, we have strengthened that. It will be seen that, in amendment No. 118, I propose a definition of the national biodiversity action plan in Part 3, which matches the terminology used in the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. That will strengthen it.

The sustainable development piece raised by Deputy Ó Cathasaigh, which was discussed, is included in the Long Title, but I cannot accept the amendment in this instance. Although a broad definition is given, it is not and cannot be drafted in a manner that would encompass all possibilities. The term "sustainable development" is not defined within the Bill and should take on its ordinary meaning in order not to inadvertently exclude something. The point made is certainly correct in that the work done on Committee Stage on the references to the climate action plan and the national biodiversity plan strengthens them greatly.

We have discussed the issue of publications. That will be set out in regulations. I expect, and we will be clear on this, that local authorities will be given the opportunity to set out which publications will be approved based on local knowledge. The amendment as tabled is not necessary and might be problematic. I take the point raised, however, and I do not think anyone of us disagrees with that.

On the use of ár dteanga tríd an dlí and tríd an Bille, I am satisfied that what we have done heretofore is appropriate. An coimisiún pleanála is established, as is the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority and all our new State bodies, using, rightly so, their Irish titles. The changes proposed by the Deputy would not actually rectify that. At a later point in the Bill, we are looking for the titles of the main officers to be reflected trí Gaeilge. Phléamar é sin ar feadh i bhfad ar Chéim an Choiste.

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