Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Professor John Sweeney, emeritus professor of geography in Maynooth, stated: "The most likely outcome from Paris is, therefore, an agreement that will be marketed as a political triumph, but falls short of the radical change of hearts and minds necessary to protect the world from 2oC warming over the next four decades." Therefore, no Minister should be able to take solace from the inclusion of the word "may" in the legislation; there are no opt-outs in this context. As the Minister of State has defined it, I will not push the amendment to a vote. I would, however, like definites to be included in legislation; rather than including the word "may", we should use the word "shall". Sometimes I think it is an attempt by people to evade responsibility in subsequent inquiries. Let us take on this responsibility in all legislation and impose definite obligations, such that adherence to them could be subsequently checked, rather than have a Minister say legislation includes the word "may", that the matter is discretionary and that he or she did not bother doing anything. That is not the way to do business.