I move amendment No. 11: In page 10, between lines 19 and 20, to insert the following: “(d) the National Policy Statement on the Bioeconomy, including as it relates to technologies such as anaerobic digestion;”.

I move amendment No. 12: In page 10, to delete lines 28 to 33 and substitute the following: “(6) (a) For the purposes of the development of the circular economy, the circular economy strategy— (i) shall set out targets, in accordance with paragraph (b ), in respect of each of the following sectors of the economy: (I) construction; (II) agriculture; (III) retail; (IV) packaging; (V) textiles; (VI) electronic equipment, (ii) may set out targets, in accordance with paragraph (b) , in relation to such sectors of the ec…

I think that relates to amendment No. 24, tabled by Deputy Bacik, which effectively makes the same point. When we come to that amendment, I will say the same thing as I am saying now, which the Deputy predicted I would say. This is a European competence. I do not disagree on the issue but we have to work within a European context and the wider and larger mechanism by which we can set standards. That is where we need that legislation. I do not think it fits into this Bill.

I move amendment No. 14: In page 11, to delete lines 1 and 2 and substitute the following: “(b) actions necessary to meet the targets set out in the strategy.”.

I move amendment No. 15: In page 11, to delete lines 3 to 5 and substitute the following: “(8) The Minister shall publish, on a website maintained by or on behalf of the Minister or the Government— (a) the circular economy strategy approved by the Government under this section, and (b) on an annual basis, a report prepared by or on behalf of the Minister on the implementation of the strategy and the progress made in relation to— (i) reaching the targets set out in the strategy in accordance with subsection (6) , an…

I suppose I will have to defend the EPA given, if no more than anything else, I have just come from a national dialogue public event with the agency. It was a hybrid event with hundreds of people from throughout the country. Nevertheless, I take the Deputy's point. Public consultation, with openness and transparency, has to be the watchword for all our agencies and we will look to strengthen that further.

I agree with the concerns regarding PFAS materials but that is something we have to regulate and legislate for at a European level. We are actively involved in that and should be progressive and rigorous in directing the use of those materials away from potentially adverse environmental or health impacts. It is a matter for European regulations legislation, not national, so I cannot accept amendment No. 18. I welcome the contributions of Deputies O'Rourke and Cronin on Committee Stage that inspired amendment No. 19…

I move amendment No. 19: In page 21, between lines 19 and 20, to insert the following: “(7) The Minister shall, not later than 12 months after the coming into operation of this subsection, publish, on a website maintained by or on behalf of the Minister or the Government, a report prepared by or on behalf of the Minister examining how single-use packaging used in the sale of fruit and vegetables can be reduced.”.

This is similar to the amendments we have just made in section 6. In this case it provides for the national biodiversity action plan and the national disability inclusion strategy such that when it comes to the drafting of the national food waste prevention strategy, the consultation requirements under that are brought into line with those in the circular economy strategy. Again, they were tabled on Committee Stage by Deputy Whitmore and I thank her for that. It was indicated then we would accept it and reintroduce…

I move amendment No. 21: In page 21, between lines 36 and 37, to insert the following: “(c) the National Biodiversity Action Plan; (d) the National Policy Statement on the Bioeconomy; (e) the National Disability Inclusion Strategy; (f) the Roadmap for Social Inclusion;”.

I move amendment No. 23: In page 22, line 4, to delete “and the Minister will report annually on the progress of the strategy.” and substitute the following: “and the Minister shall, on an annual basis, publish on that website a report prepared by or on behalf of the Minister on the implementation of the strategy.”.

I also spoke to it.

I intend to bring forward additional amendments on Committee Stage of this Bill in the Seanad. The proposed amendments, which align the licensing aspects of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 and the Waste Management Act 1996 with the revised emergency planning provisions under section 181 of the Planning Acts, are critical in terms of progressing the State's response to the energy emergency. Those amendments will be brought back to the Dáil for consideration in due course. I accept the points made about …

I move: "That the Bill do now pass."

A Cheann Comhairle, I wish to thank the officials for their work on this legislation. It was exemplary and is really appreciated.

I appreciate the chance to give these statements on our national sustainable mobility policy and to listen to Deputies. I will not be here for the entire debate. There is a Cabinet meeting at the same time, which is unfortunate, but I look forward to reading the record and hearing what Members have to say on how we use this moment in time to deliver a seismic change in the nature, characteristics and environmental aspects of our transport system. The switch to this new sustainable mobility mode will be key to this.…

I will finish on the following point: we want the councils of the country to come to this leadership group with proposals for these pathfinder projects that we could deliver quickly and at low cost as part of this sustainable mobility revolution.

This debate is on sustainable mobility.

Not true.

Not true.