Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and I acknowledge the importance of the Bill. It is significant legislation and is something we have been talking about since 2016, since the beginning of this Seanad. I wish to acknowledge the former Green Party Senator from Waterford, Grace O'Sullivan, MEP, who was very much involved in this space and she spoke passionately on this issue many times in the Chamber.

Today is about trying to get this legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas in order that we can have it signed by Christmas, which would be a very positive step. It would also be a very positive statement of intent by the Government, the Oireachtas and the people that they want change when it comes to issues regarding microbeads. Microbeads might be the smallest thing one sees in one's shampoo but this is a huge issue for society and it does come up on the doorsteps. It is an issue we need to progress and to champion and we need to ensure the Irish people get what they want, which is strong legislation.

I compliment the Minister on the consultation with the European Union in advance of the passage of the legislation. A lot of the groundwork for this legislation has been done and we are not waiting for EU approval as we have done that work. That kind of template is what we need to see with other legislation. We do not want to complete work on legislation and then ask Europe for approval. We have done the groundwork and we can now, hopefully, pass this important Bill.

What it means for society is that young people, in particular, who have been championing environmental issues, can see we are taking major steps forward. If we had had this debate in 2016, I am not sure there would have been such universal support throughout the House for it but we have that support now. That is because society has changed and young people have really become champions of this, and politicians have reacted and have brought forward this important legislation.

From our side of the House, we want to see this passed today in order that we can have the major changes that are required in industry and which everyone wants. The doomsday scenario is if it was not passed and if it was held up by an amendment. Who knows what is going to happen in the new year, and this important legislation could be sitting on the desk, perhaps for another Government to work on. This is an important night, a night when we can work together to ensure we pass this legislation. I acknowledge the hard work of the Minister and his officials to bring it to this level so fast. We need to take the hard steps tonight to get it over the line.