Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I echo what Senator Boyhan said and I commend Senator Higgins on tabling these amendments. I am keen to hear the Minister reassure Senators in respect of how we will protect the environment and environmental law with the regulations. Part of my frustration and that of the Irish Environmental Network - I am sure Senator Higgins will agree - relates to the fact this provisions of the Bill have not undergone any pre-legislative scrutiny. That is part of the problem. This paragraph was introduced without that scrutiny, which is why we are raising these concerns. For instance, the wording as drafted is such that the regulations "may" have regard to “the requirements of the environmental and environmental law”. Surely that should state "shall have regard for" them.

I am keen to hear the Minister's response to Senator Higgins's points in order to reassure us that the Bill will be robust and will not result in maladaptation, even if it is going to pass tonight. He might reassure us that there will not be planting of native species in the wrong places because that would have an impact on the riparian environment and peatlands and would realise all the concerns we raised on Committee Stage.

I will support the amendment. I commend Senator Higgins on tabling it. The Minister might reassure us in respect of what I outlined, given that the provision in question was rushed in without pre-legislative scrutiny.