Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I assure Senator Flynn that I am not setting the thresholds of what damage should look like or the minimum threshold. That has been informed by the expert group, which comprises experts such as scientists and people qualified in the appropriate areas. There was reference to the 1.5 mm threshold and it is a recommendation from the expert group. We will set the threshold on the basis of these hearings, including feedback in the Seanad, Dáil and other forums. It is the right course of action. Ultimately, we are elected to decide what schemes we bring forward and what legislation we introduce. This is informed by expert opinion and it is why we had the expert group and homeowners' liaison group established. It is why we had hearings before the joint committee.

We will prescribe the thresholds by way of regulation. This allows flexibility into the future to deal with the very matters Senators Dooley and Blaney have mentioned today, and so if we find a bump in the road, we can fix it. That is really where we are. In that context, I will not accept the amendment.