Pippa Hackett (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators. I thank Senator Bacik for the welcome. I appreciate the effort Senator Higgins has made in putting together the amendments and the thought she has put into them. I should clarify the intention of this provision. It is that the Minister may ask the FAC to prioritise in certain circumstances a certain class of appeal over others, not necessarily one individual appeal over another individual appeal. All appeals will, of course, be processed, but there may be specific circumstances in which there are grounds for prioritising one type over another. To be clear, there are only three classes of licensing: afforestation, felling and licence granted for roads. They are the only three classes with which the appeals section can engage. Thinning licences are covered under felling licences. They are not a distinct class in the current model. I believe this provision would be lightly used. It is found in other examples, including in the planning Acts. Furthermore, it would be a fully transparent process, which is essential. Any directive issued here will be publicly available and laid before each House of the Oireachtas.Several submissions sought clarity on the basis and circumstances on which the Minister may issue a general directive as to the policy. I appreciate the submissions. The provisions offer that clarity but I take into account the particular terminology in the provision. Having looked through the array of amendments and options, amendment No. 61 struck the right balance as it softens the language somewhat but also opens that up. I am happy to accept the amendment.