Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reassurances. The Bill was introduced several weeks ago and something possibly could have been done in the meantime. As for the notification to the European Commission, again, the Department could have exercised that right and it could be under way as we speak. It is pertinent we move as fast as possible with this measure.

Senator Paudie Coffey earlier spoke about the importance of issues. I am new to this political system and have not come from a local authority background, unlike Senator Paudie Coffey and others. Coming in here, however, I understood my job was to be part of a process to introduce and scrutinise Bills. As a newbie, I did not expect to have all the tools in the bag. Accordingly, I am relying on consultation and support.

What Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said earlier literally threw the Minister's legal advice out of the window because Article 36 squashes the Minister's argument. Yesterday at 5.30 p.m. was a little late in the day to come forward with the notice of the amendment. It indicates the Seanad is not really being listened to in time. We can put forward legislation but Fianna Fáil is not listening. That was clearly evident from Senator Jennifer Murnane-O'Connor's contribution. She clearly was not prepared for this issue. The Minister and the Department were also not prepared for this. That leaves me feeling incompetent and that I am surrounded by incompetence. I do not like that. I hope that in my time in the Seanad that I will work and collaborate with everybody. When it comes to issues such as marine pollution or housing, I am absolutely committed to work as hard as I can and to consult with other Members to get a good process.

The Minister might claim we were not prepared enough with this Bill. I think we were and we could have got this together. Our duty is to introduce and scrutinise legislation. With amendments from the Minister and Fianna Fáil, we could have proceeded to Committee Stage. As a new Senator, it would have enabled me to see the process while moving the momentum forward. There is international momentum on this issue too.

The Minister asked us to accept his bona fides on this. I would like to know when the consultation date will be. There are so many crises in the country under the Government's leadership. If I do not get a date, it will go down the Swannee, nothing will happen. It will be put on the long finger and kicked to touch. I am looking forward to the Minister getting the notice letter to the European Commission.

In the meantime, I feel disheartened that we could not have made progress within the Seanad system. I did my part in introducing this Bill and getting it to Second Stage. The Department had it on the table for weeks on end and could have scrutinised it and consulted. However, I had no phone call or no knowledge of the Department's intention. I do not accept what the Minister put to me yesterday. For that reason, I would like the support of my colleagues to put this to a vote. With that, we will see what comes out. The Minister gave me due recognition and he knows I will work tirelessly with him to ensure we ban micro-beads and micro-plastics from the marine environment.