Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senators have outlined their concerns well but it is important that there is a realistic approach to this legislation. There will be deep engagement at many levels in society for the development of the various plans and adaptation frameworks. These engagements will happen at different levels of the sectors, people, industry and agriculture. The advice can be presented or discussed at the consultative forums, including workshops and presentations. If the word "written" is included in the legislation it could block many of these opportunities. It is not a case of either or; it is important to note that both oral and written advice will be accepted. It is extreme to expect that every single discussion, presentation or word of advice should be written.A realistic approach needs to be adopted where we can encourage and incentivise as much engagement as possible from the various sectors and from citizens who may not be experts in the climate change field. I have always believed that we need to be less bureaucratic in some respects and should speak in layman's language when we want to engage ordinary people and reach our targets for carbon emissions. We need to be as accessible as possible and less bureaucratic. I accept the good intention behind the amendment but it is too extreme and, therefore, I will be opposing it.