Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

I agree with Senator Bannon in regard to the EPA and Dr. Kelly. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government visited the EPA recently and we had a very fruitful meeting with the board. It has committed itself to going into communities, particularly where there are issues in regard to major developments which would affect the environment. It is also committed to consultation with various groups, including non-government organisations and elected bodies, on such issues.

On the amendment, section 3 states that "the board may request the Environmental Protection Agency to make observations within such period (which period shall not in any case be less than 3 weeks)". It is possible to extend the period if the agency believes an extension is required. It is essential the State agency vested with protecting our environment is comprehensively consulted when any of these major infrastructural developments takes place. The expertise the agency has to hand and which it has built up over the years will prove essential when these major developments take place. I do not believe the amendment is necessary because the section provides for what is required, particularly in regard to the EPA.