Annie Hoey (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will join in on this jingle-jangle of amendments. I will specifically speak to amendments Nos. 26 to 28, inclusive. When we were first spoke about removing the provision regarding the relevant person, I commended the Minister. I echo Senator Higgins's concern that this measure may find its way back in through another mechanism. The people who may seek to make an appeal in a given case include rural dwellers, environmentalists and others who have very real concerns about the environment, biodiversity, the sustainable development goals and a bazillion other things. These people all have relevant and valid concerns. They are ordinary individuals who have to live with the decisions the Department makes. I hope this Bill will be able to deal with frivolous or vexatious appeals or appeals that are without substance or foundation. I am led to believe that these are the correct legal terms for such things. I do not believe, however, that fees, restrictions or limitations on those who may make appeals are effective ways in which to deal with them. I know we will discuss fees at a later point.

The amendments tabled by Senators Higgins and Boyhan - as I have said, I am primarily speaking to Nos. 26 to 28, inclusive - ensure that there will be no attacks on democracy, on people's right to environmental information, on their right to participate in environmental decision-making or on their right to environmental justice. We must always uphold the right of local stakeholders to appeal Government decisions. I urge the Minister to consider accepting these amendments because we cannot deny democratic participation in decision-making. I would not like to see that happen in an accidental way. I urge the Minister to consider accepting the amendments to which I am specifically speaking, namely, Nos. 26 to 28, inclusive.