Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Amendments Nos. 75 to 80 on the transport subgroup are similar to the amendments proposed to section 33 and many of the same points apply.

I feel that the membership of the subgroup as provided for is appropriate, so I do not propose to accept amendment No. 75.

Amendment No. 76 seeks to include a representative of the Climate Change Advisory Committee in the subgroup. That committee was established under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 and is an independent body that advises the Government. Its remit is wider than transport and requires expertise in climate science, energy policy and economics. As such, it would not be appropriate for a member of the committee to fulfil the proposed function, which focuses on a single issue within a single local authority. However, I note that section 34(3) of the Bill gives the mayor the power to invite nominees from other public bodies in the field of transport. This is more appropriate. While we are not accepting this amendment, its thrust, which relates to climate, is a matter that I am considering with a view to tabling something on Report Stage. That will be in the broader context, though.

Regarding amendments Nos. 77 to 80, the Paris Agreement, the UN sustainable development goals and the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 inform the work of the delivery board and, consequently, the transport subgroup. The national biodiversity plan is statutory and local authorities must integrate biodiversity into their frameworks. I am wary of explicitly listing a small number of instruments when these and other high-level international and national agreements, Acts and conventions are interwoven into the Bill and its operation. As a result, I cannot accept these amendments.

I understand the thrust of these amendments, but for the reasons I have given, I am not minded to accept them. Regarding amendment No. 76 on the Climate Change Advisory Committee, I will consider the issue and reserve the right to table amendments on Report Stage.