Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I welcome this timely Bill. Had it or similar legislation been implemented years ago, we would not have the difficulties we currently face with regard to some European directives that have been implemented over the years. I refer specifically to the habitats directive. When it was being implemented, few of our own or the European civil servants were fully conscious of the adverse effects of the directive on the livelihoods of many people, particularly in areas in the west which were most sensitive to its impact.

As a former member of an Oireachtas European affairs committee, I had the opportunity to represent interest groups whose members were concerned about the serious impact of the directive on their livelihoods. A representative of the Commissioner, Julian Bruno, appeared before the committee. In response to the concern expressed by members, he stated that it was never intended that a directive of the European Commission would impact in any way on the capacity of people in Ireland to earn a living. That was important but, unfortunately, that is not the case. Will the Minister of State tell us if it is possible to amend, withdraw or appeal some aspects of these directives which have a serious impact on the livelihoods of people in certain areas of this country?