James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 47:

In page 12, line 11, after "subsection (5)" to insert the following:

", and it shall not make such a decision within that period without having either—

(i) considered the observations of the Agency, or

(ii) received notification from the Agency that the Agency does not intend to make a submission".

This is an important amendment which is why the Minister should accept it. If there is no decision from the agency, we should not delay. If consultation has taken place or if there is no need for it, we should not wait a specific period but should move on and allow the development to go ahead. It is important to involve the Environmental Protection Agency. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government received an invitation to visit the agency during Easter week. It is important that all public representatives, particularly directors of services in local authorities dealing with the environment, visit the agency and meet the directors who are doing a good job. They are very open to discussions with elected representatives, whether Oireachtas Members or local authority members, and officials of local authorities. That should be encouraged and I mentioned it to Dr. Kelly who said she would take it on board and try to consult the members and chairpersons of environment committees in local authorities. Such consultation and negotiation is important as it would give people greater insight into the work of the agency.