Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 83:

In page 29, between lines 6 and 7, to insert the following: "United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

35.In performing functions under this Act or any other enactment, the Mayor shall act in a manner consistent with achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities.".

We have already discussed this matter. Perhaps the Minister of State could take the opportunity to indicate how he intends to approach it on Report Stage, which is coming very soon. I understand it is on the schedule for next week.

The purpose of the amendment is to ensure that in performing any mandate under this legislation, the mayor will act in a manner that was consistent with achievement of the United Nations sustainable development goals, in particular, goal 11, which relates to sustainable cities and communities. I will not go over the lengthy materials that I have in respect of these goals. I am of the view that the sustainable development goals are more crucial than ever because we are at a moment of hope - as was the case in Paris and when the sustainable development goals were agreed - when we can see the blueprint for what a sustainable, decent, fair and beautiful future might look like for common humanity. We are at a moment when it seems that all of the best aspirations of humanity and all of the best principles of how we want our fellow humans to be treated, what we believe are common core principles and visions that we share, seem to be under attack. There are those who would erode those principles and visions. The almost high point of international multilateralism and of a vision for a common humanity embodied in the sustainable development goals is important. We need to reaffirm that at every level. The goals do not just belong to governments; they belong to everyone across the globe. Leadership should be coming at every level, including local level.

The Minister of State indicated that he intends to look at this area of sustainability in its full sense, including environmental sustainability. Perhaps the Minister of State could clarify whether we can expect that something will be forthcoming on Report Stage.