Pauline O'Reilly (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I wish to refer again to the difference between 10 cu. m and 25 cu. m. We have had a discussion on what should be ruled in and out of order, but that is only one issue. I appeal to the Minister of State to rethink it. I am aware that the Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage asked me specifically to address this issue today, and that is why I tabled the amendment. I am aware that he will bring it up at a meeting of his committee. Given the very strong witness statements at meetings of the committee, the recommendation and the fact that there is legislation of the kind I propose in countries very close to us, it makes no sense for Ireland not to move forward with this. We are in a climate emergency and things will only get worse when it comes to water. We need to have a proper idea as to the amount of abstraction from our waterways. Notwithstanding the fact that these amendments have been ruled out of order, the Minister of State and his officials could still explore whether they can address this.