Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The reason a large number of the licences are being appealed is concern that the committee has failed to address the issue of properly considering whether environmental impact assessments or other appropriate assessments are required at the licensing stage. I am not going to labour my point about the committee but I really urge the Minister of State to re-examine it before she brings the legislation to the Dáil. There is a risk. The legislation currently states that where the committee considers it necessary and expedient in making a determination, the committee "may" screen for an assessment. It may not do so, however, and that is why it is important that the Bill address this. Given the concerns over the first part of the process, and that the challenge led to the major appeals backlog, as acknowledged by the Minister of State, it behoves us to make sure we get it right at this stage. This is worth addressing and considering further in the Dáil. I recognise that the Minister of State cannot accept my amendment now. As the former Minister, Deputy Calleary, said in July, one of the drivers is that the process needed to be changed and improved. That is the nub of the problem. It would be a pity, therefore, if we were to embed an ambiguity where we could have clarity. I recognise that the Minister of State may not be able to accept my amendment now but I appeal to her to consider this matter before the legislation goes to the Dáil because it will strongly improve the legal robustness of the Bill.