Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Sinn Féin supports amendment No. 18 for the reasons previously outlined. In terms of amendment No. 19, access to information on the environment is essential for good decision making. AIE requests are used by ordinary citizens, journalists and people across the State seeking to hold the Government to account. The work of Right To Know in this area has been invaluable. While the State has signed up to the Aarhus Convention, there could always be better implementation of it. A key part of the Aarhus Convention is the proactive dissemination of information on the environment. Unfortunately, the Government's efforts in this regard leave a lot to be desired. This is a matter on which my colleague, Senator Boylan, is working. However, that is a debate for another day. Today, Sinn Fein is happy to co-sign this amendment with our Civil Engagement Group and Labour Party colleagues and Senator Boyhan.