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

I thank the Senator for the amendment. I emphasise that the purposes of a review of NHAs would include contributing to the achievement of nature conservation objectives for bog habitats and selecting the most suitable bog habitats to be designated, or to cease to be designated, utilising the various criteria set out in the Bill. All of these considerations would be components of any review of bog habitats and would be included in the review. Decisions on the designation or de-designation of NHAs would not be made in a vacuum. The Bill sets out principles and criteria to guide the Minister of the day in this process. I will, therefore, not accept the amendment.