Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I am very happy with the proposed amendment. The words that concern me somewhat are "as soon as practicable after the issue of a safety permit". When I came into the House 16 or 17 years ago, I discovered there was a different attitude towards the passage of time in the State apparatus. Very often, terms used in business indicated a much greater sense of urgency to get things done. In the first five or six years I was in the House I suggested amendments to practically every Bill, particularly in regard to the publication of accounts, to seek to have inserted words such as "not later than...". In those days terms such as "as soon as practicable" were common but I attempted to have deadlines inserted. The issue does not arise in this case but I make the point to remind those who create legislation to recognise that it is useful to include a timescale, for example, "not later than two months", to make sure things happen. I suggest its inclusion in this instance to ensure we will focus more attention on the timeline rather than just leave the provision open, as inferred by the term "as soon as practicable". While I am happy to accept the amendment, I hope the matter will receive attention in the future.