Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the Senator’s comments. When looking at section 20 objectively, titled “Designated environmental projects”, there are a range of areas where a project that contributes directly or indirectly, or is likely to so contribute, can be designated as a project that can be funded under this fund. For example, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the State covers a wide area of potential projects. In paragraphs (b) to (h), we list a range of further areas, in particular water and the national biodiversity action plan. This section is very broad in nature and encompasses the essence of the objective that we have set for the fund. The fund is not the totality of what the Government has been doing in respect of these areas. Rather, it is additional capacity that we are providing. The section’s objectives are broad enough to capture the areas the Senator is suggesting.