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

It is crystal clear to me that in one section one has to consult and in the other section one does not. I do not think the two sections are in conflict with each other. I understand what Senator Higgins is saying that one part applies to the entirety of the Act; it does not say that one must not consult. There is simply one section where consultation is necessary and another section where it is optional.