David Norris (Independent)

I welcome the Minister to the House. I saw Senator Bradford's contribution on the monitor and heard him refer to the need for a balanced approach. He had a slightly mixed view and had some reservations. I fully support the Minister's intention to speed up the planning process because I recognise there have been unacceptable delays, especially regarding major infrastructural projects. There are various ways in which this can be addressed, not all of which are considered in this Bill.

I have some reservations about the Bill but also very much welcome certain of its provisions. My reservations concern the very difficult matter of public participation, which is extremely important. I am not sure the Bill really respects our obligations under the Aarhus Convention. The Minister is looking rather surprised and perhaps he will demonstrate in his closing remarks how fully the Bill is in accord with the convention. I am anxious that our obligations under the convention to allow for maximum public participation in matters concerning environmental decision-making be completely respected.

I know the Minister is not a friend of An Taisce because he has launched numerous attacks on the organisation, some of which were quite unfair. We have had a few battles about this.