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

I again thank all Senators for a constructive debate. This legislation has taken a long journey. I again thank Senator Kyne, who was in my seat during the previous consideration of the Bill. I thank Senators for the constructive amendments that were put forward in the Seanad. That highlights the importance of robust debate on these matters and has strengthened the Bill. I am particularly delighted to see the national biodiversity action plan to be put on a statutory basis. In light of yesterday's vote in the European Parliament, that is critically important. We know that nature is under significant threat and we have a collective job to protect and restore it. There has been a unified approach across this House and in the Dáil Chamber in that regard. We will work collectively and collaboratively to do that.

The biodiversity duty across our public services is critical. We will see the benefits of that as this legislation unfolds. It is already happening across Government. We are aware of the enormous task ahead of us to restore nature. I thank my officials and team.

I wish all Members an enjoyable break. I encourage them to take a good rest because we have all worked hard during this term. I hope they enjoy the summer break ahead and I will see them in September.