Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Section 92, which was amended recently on Committee Stage, provides comprehensive provisions for consultation regarding world heritage property, as well as property which has potential to become world heritage property. In 2021, the world heritage operational guidelines provided comprehensive guidance on the role of communities in world heritage matters such as encouraging states' parties to include balanced participation with a wide variety of stakeholders and rights holders, including local communities, site managers, NGOs and other interested parties. That refers to some of the groups the Senator has referenced.

These operational guidelines are reviewed and updated by the world heritage committee in light of the strategic objectives and are considered an excellent source of advice and information on the operation of the World Heritage Convention. I would like to clarify that the term "property" in section 92(2) refers to world heritage properties such as Brú na Bóinne and the consultation under section 92 can involve different matters relating to world heritage and not just matters relating to the property. I am open to discussing the matters further with the OPC to see if this can be made clearer in the drafting. I hope this is of some assistance.