Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 11:

In page 13, between lines 31 and 32, to insert the following: “(4) The Agency shall, in determining and reviewing the ICN Fund investment strategy, consult with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and Taoiseach and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action.”.

Amendment No. 11 seeks to insert a new subsection into section 16 to require that the agency shall in determining and reviewing the ICN fund investment strategy consult with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach and the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action.

The Minister of State mentioned how different governments may have different visions for the investment strategy. They will not only bring the original determination of it; they may bring in further reviews of the strategy. Similar to the different governments, while the Oireachtas is agreeing to the establishment of these funds, the Oireachtas and our parliamentary committees also have something to contribute to the question of the investment strategy. This is particularly the case if it is intended that this fund is to be one of the main mechanisms through which we are seeking to achieve our climate goals. Again, that has been stated as one of the areas on which we hope the fund will deliver. I believe there is expertise and relevant insight that could be offered by both of those committees.