Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister said these are high-level principles. Surely if high-level principles are revoked or modified, it merits the same kind of process and scrutiny given that Ministers change. We do not want to have lots of debate and discussion around what those high-level principles should be in terms of marine policy planning, be it the precautionary principle, and then for that policy statement to change without due scrutiny and engagement. Ministers and priorities change, which is why we have a process of parliamentary engagement with the Executive on these matters. I recognise it is being addressed in terms of policy directives but not I understand in terms of policy statements or guidelines.