Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for bringing this legislation to the House. As my colleague indicated, the Bill has had something of a meandering route to get us to where we are today. It is important legislation. I do not intend to compound or overcomplicate the convoluted nature of dealing with the amendments by speaking at length on them. We support the Minister of State in progressing this important Bill. There are three elements to it, namely, the review of blanket bogs, putting a national biodiversity plan on a statutory footing and placing a biodiversity obligation on public bodies. They are three important actions the Government is taking to protect, enhance and champion our biodiversity. The Minister of State has our support. I will not delay proceedings by speaking any further.