Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Amendment No. 18 mirrors the previous language by referencing recommendations that may emerge from any relevant Oireachtas committee relating to climate action, and it tries to ensure we have a joined-up approach. I have raised my concerns about this Bill going through today when on Wednesday, the Joint Committee on Climate Action will be discussing peatland strategy. We are putting forward legislation that will determine the process, priorities, mechanisms and values attached to natural peatland heritage areas in our country prior to hearing from a number of experts on peatland. In the committee tomorrow, we will look specifically at the deep importance of peatlands, nationally and internationally, in respect of our climate targets. It is a massive example of putting the cart before the horse, and this amendment tries to ensure that, at the minimum, the Minister will take into consideration future recommendations arising from the set of hearings beginning this week. I would have preferred this Bill to have been delayed to take proper cognisance of the discussion of these issues at the meeting of the Joint Committee on Climate Action.