John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I, too, welcome the visitors to the Gallery. It is great to have them here. On Senator Higgins's comments, I am sure the picture she is trying to present of this legislation having an impact in terms of the environment is well meaning but it is not grounded in fact. I am sure the Minister of State will confirm that in his comments. The Bill specifically says the Minister may appoint over and above 14 members, with specific reference to fulfilling its duty and objectives under various sections of the 2001 Act. They specifically reference items in relation to the environment. One of the major elements An Bord Pleanála will be dealing with in the coming period is offshore wind energy. It would seem incredible that there would not be environmental members on the board as part of that process. I am sure the Minister of State will confirm that will be the case. What is being put into the Bill is the flexibility to appoint people when needed in different areas of expertise as they arise. It may be the case that more are needed in a particular area for a particular time period or more may be needed to deal with backlogs in another area, such as housing, in another period. The Bill is building in flexibility to go to 14 members or more and bring in people who have expertise in an area. I understand why Senator Higgins is trying to present it as she is, but I am sure the Minister of State will confirm that is not actually the case.