Yes.

In the context of discussing supporting or not supporting the carbon budgets, let us be clear that, in fact, the debate is in respect of whether these are the right carbon budgets. Of course, if they are not approved today - I have no doubt they will be approved - the consequence would be that they would be revised. There are problems with the carbon budgets as currently presented. Reference has been made to the need for urgent, intensive and robust action. The carbon budgets as now presented are not robust enough.…

I am sorry, but I have three specific questions for the Minister of State. Will there be plans for a review of the 2025 budget based on the IPCC science which has emerged? Will there be plans relating to the 2030 and 2035 budget in respect of the principles of climate justice?

It is crucial that we get these answers-----

-----because the information has not been provided to us. Do not tell us about the plan, but about why there is this frame and how it is intended to approach this in the future.

I thank the Fine Gael group for putting forward this motion and framing it very carefully in terms of international law. When we talk of sides and approaches, the key thing is that Ireland has been unequivocal in condemning Russia’s aggression and invasion of Ukraine because it is a breach of international law and the UN Charter, which calls on and requires countries to refrain from the use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of another state. That is very important. To place that …

I move amendment No. 6: In page 15, line 11, after “width” to insert “, subject to such additional criteria that the Minister might set out in regulations”

I will speak to amendment No. 6. I am compelled to comment, and I believe it is a wider discussion. As the Acting Cathaoirleach may not be in a position to answer but it is something that is going to have to be examined. I am concerned on the grounds on which some of the amendments have been ruled out of order. It creates a very significant concern in regard to democracy. For example, the idea of not being able to oppose a section is a concern, especially if that section is requesting that the Oireachtas transfers …

I have contacted the Seanad Office and I will be raising it at the Committee on Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight because it is a very serious concern. The amendment relates to the very serious concern that the Bill as it is currently worded could effectively allow for strip planting in the widest sense. The definition of "native tree area" relates to spaces of less than 1 ha is one part but also basically just relates to the width of the planting. The concern in this regard is that long, narrow strips could f…

I regret that the Minister is not minded to accept this amendment because it is constructive. With respect, the fact that regulations may be made regarding an exemption is referenced in section 9, which the Minister spoke about, and we looked at the issue in the context of section 9(d), but I was talking about the definition. The problem is very different things are being bundled under a single definition and regulations will later be made as to how native tree areas, as defined here, may be exempted from the requi…

Yes.

I move amendment No. 10: In page 16, between lines 15 and 16, to insert the following: “(vi) appropriate procedures to allow for the screening of projects in relation to Environmental Impact Assessment or other appropriate assessment, (vii) criteria and limitations that shall apply to where a woodland area is greater than one hectare, (viii) measures to protect existing biodiversity and ecosystems, and (ix) a requirement for continuous cover in respect of native woodland areas covered by this section,”.

It is good that we read the reasons. Some of the reasons are particularly concerning in terms of the amendments that have been ruled out of order. Like others, I would have liked the opportunity to speak to some of those other aspects but I will focus on the amendments that are still in play. On amendment No. 10, I have combined the reasons for expediency but each of them could be their own amendment and debate. I wish to note that the term "woodland area" should be "native tree area" but that is by the by because …

I will utter a single sentence that will make things very clear. Much as it is proper for us to add conditions in respect of regulations that we give the Minister, it should also be proper for us to say that we do not wish to transfer power to a Minister to make regulations in terms of excluding a particular section of the Bill. The amendment refers to the powers or elements that I ask for the Minister to include in the regulations that get made under section 9(d) and there are four key issues that must be addresse…

I am certainly looking forward to the public engagement. That is good and I hope there will also be - as has also been committed to previously - engagement directly with Members of the Oireachtas who have shown an interest in this area by the Department. However, I do still have outstanding concerns which are not really addressed. To build on what Senator Boylan has said, the context is that we did not have pre-legislative scrutiny, which would have been very important. In something such as this, it is always a con…

I move amendment No. 12: In page 17, between lines 22 and 23, to insert the following: " ". I was told amendment No. 11 was ruled out of order because it conflicted with the purpose of the Bill. However, the amendment did not conflict with the purpose of the Bill. It simply set out that there would be a review after 36 months. That is a sunset clause amendment. It is entirely unacceptable to say that all legislation must be permanent and cannot be reviewed. It is totally inconsistent with previous practice in respe…

That is not written in the Long Title of the Bill. This is simply an assertion of the Seanad Office. I appreciate the Minister has not made this decision.

It is a decision that the Government is assuming it wants permanence of all powers to make regulation when it is made, that it is assumed and should not be challenged by way of legislative amendment. It is a very concerning precedent. It is fine, as it will be addressed further. We will take it up next week.

By way of an interpretation of that Standing Order, which we need to clarify. Amendment No. 12 relates to a number of amendments. I thought the other amendments in this area were going to go forward but they have not. This amendment is about the Schedule of native tree species. Perhaps this needs further consideration but I am sure the Acting Cathaoirleach will be very aware of this issue. There was an assumption for many years that Ireland no longer had a native pine and that it had become extinct. In recent years…

I am discussing the native Irish pine and its insertion into the Schedule.