Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 17:

In page 17, line 35, to delete “Not more than 30 days” and substitute “Simultaneously on”.

This amendment refers to the publication of reports. The section provides that not more than 30 days after submitting an annual report to the Minister, the advisory council shall publish the annual report by such means as the agency may advise. If the report is being submitted to the Minister, why not just publish it? What is the purpose of delaying it for 30 days. It will lead to leaked reports, keyhole journalism and mischievous behaviour of one kind or another. Let us all know what is happening to the environment. I do not know why the Minister needs to know it 30 days before everyone else. It should be published simultaneously.