Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. Amendments Nos. 21 to 26, inclusive, provide for additional, more specific purposes for which the circular economy fund may be used. I do not think these amendments are necessary and I believe the section as drafted is appropriate for the purposes for which it is intended. I believe that all the items specified in the amendments are addressed in the legislation. I value the thought and time that has gone into considering them and they will all be open for discussion when the circular economy fund opens. Section 8(9) provides for how moneys from the fund may be used. It is a broadly drafted provision. It provides for a wide range of purposes relating to the protection of the environment and the transition to a circular economy. Amendments Nos. 3 and 4 provide for definitions used in amendments Nos. 21 and 26. As a result, I will not accept these amendments.

The definition of "just transition" was considered during the climate Act last year. There was a long debate about that. No shared definition could be agreed on. As a result, it was proposed by the Opposition that we leave out the definition altogether. If we were to agree on the definitions of “climate justice” and “just transition”, then we would want to include those specifically in climate-related legislation before adding them into the circular economy legislation.

On the question of whether this Bill should extend to international considerations, this is national legislation. Its focus is on national issues which can be executed within our jurisdiction and on which we can have some credible impact through the legislation.

Senator Higgins has indicated that she will withdraw amendment No. 20, so I will move then to amendment No. 27. It is likely that such a committee, as could be constituted based on the legislation, would be comprised of members of my Department or other public service bodies, such as the EPA. Those bodies, the Department, the EPA and other public service bodies have public service codes of conduct that cover issues such as conflicts of interest. We are, therefore, covered in that regard. I appreciate the intention of the amendment, but I do not feel it is necessary. For those reasons, I am not accepting the amendments.