Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I very much support this proposed legislation. I join with others in thanking Senator Martin for proposing it and for all the work he has done regarding it. I met the protestors outside Leinster House this morning. There is a real sense of urgency regarding this legislation. That is apparent when I meet people and talk to them on the ground, and even on the basis of the number of emails I have received in the past ten days, in particular, on this issue. It is very welcome legislation.

I look forward to going through the legislation section by section. There are issues I will want clarification on through that process. From reading the Bill, one of the clarifications I am looking for relates to the all-Ireland dynamic of this legislation and where and how that will fit in. There are no borders when it comes to biodiversity. How will we deal with that on the island of Ireland and how will we legislate for it? It is a question we need to think about and have a solution for as we go forward. Do we need to engage with our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Assembly? Do we need to start talking about how we will have an approach to this that will affect the entire island? I am fearful of how we will practically deal with it due to the Border. I am unclear on that. Maybe the proposer of the Bill and the Minister of State might bring clarity on how they will make sure that will be a functional part of the legislation. There has to be functionality here. I am a little concerned about how that will practically work through. My only real concern is on the functionality of how it will work. If I could get clarity in that regard, it would be very welcome.

As for the Bill, the principle of it and where it is going, it is very important. It is something we need to start talking more about. There have been some very passionate contributions in the Chamber regarding this issue. I add my voice of support to this Bill. It is to be hoped we can work with all parties to make sure it gets through the Houses very swiftly.