Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will respond first to Senator Paschal Mooney, who raised the issue of turf cutting and compliance with the habitats directive, as well as differing views on the levels of compliance here. The Senator has asked that the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Heather Humphreys, come to the House to debate the issue. I will seek such a debate with the Minister and have already asked for a debate on library services which the Senator sought yesterday. However, if there is a specific issue arising with regard to levels of compliance, that might be best approached as a commencement matter directed to the Minister. That would certainly be a quicker way of getting a response from her. That said, I will seek the broader debate for which the Senator has called.

Senator Paul Coghlan raised the issue of an An Taisce case in County Kerry. I am not aware of that case and I expect that the Senator will write directly to An Taisce on the matter. I do not think I should comment further on something which may be the subject of a judicial review.

Senator Gerard P. Craughwell raised the issue of the Private Member's Bill put forward by Deputy Clare Daly in the other House yesterday. The Cathaoirleach has ruled on that issue and my own views on it are well known. The Senator sought a debate in this House on the office of the Attorney General. As colleagues will be aware, under Article 30 of the Constitution, the Attorney General is legal adviser to the Government. I have not seen her advice on this matter which was issued to the Government for Government members. Government members stated that in respect of Deputy Clare Daly's Bill, the advice was that it was unconstitutional.

I can certainly look into having a debate on the role of the Attorney General, but I am not sure we can do so in this House. However, if it is possible to do so, we will.