Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

They are under incredible pressure and working from home as well. On amendments Nos. 3, 5 and 10, we understand the necessity around subdividing the appeals committee to try to speed up the process rather than their having to meet together. Will the Minister of State explain her objections to our amendments which simply call on the Minister of State to ensure that when the appeals committee is subdivided, there will be expertise in each of those subdivisions? There will be two individuals proposed in each subdivision and it is critical that they have the background in the environmental and forestry legislation and are cognisant of the water framework directive and the implications for felling, particularly on water. Will she accept these amendments, and if not, will she explain why she feels she cannot?

We are repeatedly told that this is about alignment with the planning process. An Bord Pleanála has expert bodies that can make nominations to the expert panels. My amendment calls for the expert bodies and agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Heritage Council and An Taisce, to be able to nominate people to sit on those subdivisions as is the case with An Bord Pleanála.