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

This proposed amendment calls for the national mitigation plan to be adopted by resolution of both Houses of the Oireachtas rather than simply laid before Dáil Éireann after its approval by Government. I strongly take issue with this proposal as the Government, rightly, should be the sole, approving authority and be held accountable for its approved national mitigation plan. Requiring approval by the Oireachtas as a whole undercuts the role of the Government to the detriment of accountability. It also exposes the adoption of the critically important integrative national mitigation plans to the vagaries of those who may wish to play politics. Surely no one would consider this a desirable outcome. I, therefore, will not be accepting this amendment.