Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

This is similar to previous amendments. This proposed amendment seeks to replace the phrase "have regard to" with the word "comply" in section 4(7), which deals with matters that must be considered by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Government when performing their functions under section 4. There necessarily are competing considerations when developing and approving a national mitigation plan, all of which cannot be complied with fully at the same time. Accordingly, I believe the phrase "have regard to" constitutes the correct approach, which requires a balancing of considerations and therefore, I cannot accept this amendment and again call for its withdrawal.