Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator makes valid points on this. There has been a great deal of consultation between the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, OPC, on the drafting of this definition and the use of words. I cannot accept the Senator's amendment but I am happy to refer back to the OPC and engage again with the NPWS to see if there is a better phrase and if we can include consideration.

On the points the Senator raised, this is about the approach to the bog network and contributing to the achievement of the overall nature conservation objectives. It is the same methodology that was used in the 2014 review. It appears that we will not conclude the Bill today so my officials are happy to engage with the Senator and the NPWS and the Department can engage again with the OPC to see if there is a better choice of words.

We have had the debate on the blanket bogs and the Bill was amended in the Dáil following discussion on Committee Stage. It provides for the Minister, at his or her discretion, to conduct a review of the blanket bog NHA as well as to continue and complete the 2014 review relating to raised bogs. This would not be done in a vacuum but would involve public consultation. It would not necessarily lead to proposals for de-designation of blanket bog NHAs.

As regards carbon sequestration, that is catered for under the Government amendment No. 11.