Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 11:

In page 9, line 1, to delete “laid before Dáil Éireann” and substitute “adopted by resolution of both Houses of the Oireachtas”.

I seek to amend section 4(10), which states, "A national mitigation plan shall be laid before Dáil Éireann as soon as may be after it is approved by the Government." As I wish to involve the Seanad, I have proposed the substitution of "both houses of the Oireachtas". The Seanad has a proud record in this session in terms of the acceptance of amendments and only this morning, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs accepted amendments tabled by Senator van Turnhout and received a round of applause. This could happen in this area in the future and that is the aspiration. In any event, the Seanad has a strong record going back to the 1920s in being interested in environmental matters and it should be involved in this provision. I do not know whether this was an oversight or whether somebody thought the referendum to abolish this House had been passed but the Seanad is here and is playing a notable role in respect of environmental matters. This should be recognised in this Bill.