David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree it would be extraordinary if the learned bodies that are listed in the amendment were excluded from the debate. The bodies listed are very significant. The Royal Irish Academy is the premier meeting group of Irish intellectuals, the Royal Dublin Society has been involved in environmental and agricultural issues since its inception in the early 18th century. What is the role of the departments of environmental science in institutions of higher education is it is not to be available to act as consultants to the Government in addition to teaching their students? An Taisce has a very clear record, but Friends of the Earth were the instigators and sponsors of the legislation. That is where it came from. We propose to exclude the very body that led to this legislation.

I remember when similar legislation was brought forward by Senator Ivana Bacik. I remember when the Bill sponsored by Friends of the Earth went through all-party committees of both Houses. The Mary Robinson Foundation was set up to look at environmental and global climate change issues. Mary Robinson was a very distinguished former Member of this House, Reid professor of criminal law and has gone on to distinguish herself further in international life. Of course the Mary Robinson Foundation should be consulted. That is such an obvious conclusion that perhaps it was an oversight to exclude it.

I do not see that any great damage could be done to the Bill by including this amendment. It could only be strengthened. It include in the legislation the very people who are centrally concerned about this issue. I urge the Minister of State to accept the amendment.