I second the amendment.

I would like to reiterate what Senator Gavan said. The Opposition has come together. There was no difficulty coming together to seek to have greater clarity and a definition of "just transition". I referred at the very outset to the importance of fairness, climate justice, just transition and bringing everyone with us, particularly those in the agriculture, horticulture and forestry sectors. I acknowledge the work of SIPTU. It has done considerable work in this area and has engaged with all Members of the Houses re…

I second the amendment.

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. For those outside of the House, it is worth saying that the Land Development Agency is a commercial, State-sponsored body and has been created to co-ordinate land within the State's control for more optimal uses with an appropriate focus on the provision of housing. I am particularly delighted that again, even today, I read in the national press that the Land Development Agency is currently seeking procurement and bidders to develop 600 affordable and social homes at Sh…

I thank the Cathaoirleach for selecting this really important Commencement matter related to planning. I welcome my colleague and friend the Minister of State. It is good to see him in particular, as he has a strong record on planning and environmental considerations and is a major champion of the Aarhus Convention. It is important this Commencement matter is dealt with in this way. It is very timely we are dealing with this item today because there is a very substantial piece in this morning's edition of The Irish…

I thank the Minister of State for that response. I am happy with it. It was a coincidence that today's The Irish Times carried the story. However, on 15 June 2021, the Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, wrote to the committee, of which I am a member, and referred to Programme for Government: Our Shared Future and his requirement to examine again the general scheme of the Housing and Planning and Development Bill 2019, to which the Minister of State, Deputy Malcolm Noonan, referred. I am fully supportive of the …

I sound something like a broken record but I want to talk again about mushrooms and the mushroom sector, this unique product which is neither a vegetable or fruit but is a fungus. This product is branded at great cost and expense by Bord Bia on behalf of the State and is exported all over the world. Up until recently, it was being flown out of the country and three days later it was sitting in the refrigerators of Harrods, and all over London, Paris and Europe. There has been great innovation in the mushroom sector…

I second the amendment.

I am very conscious of time but I want to reiterate what Senator Bacik has said. This is really important and excellent legislation. There would not be much division among Senators in respect of it. It is important to note the valid point made by the Senator and I am happy to support it. Again, I thank the Senator and the Labour Party for the very substantial amendments before us today.

I second the amendment.

I second the amendment.

I second the amendment.

I second the amendment.

I second the amendment.

I second the amendment.

I second the amendment.

I second the amendment.

I second the amendment.

I endorse what Senator Bacik has said. As I was reading these 12 amendments, I was conscious that this may very well be the final Bill the Senator passes in the Seanad. I fully endorse what she has said on the issues. She has talked about the need for enforcement powers. I take this opportunity to thank the Senator for her 12 amendments and for the work she has done in respect of this important legislation. It is up to the electorate but it may very well be her last reforming legislation in this important House.

I thank the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman. I echo what Senator Pauline O'Reilly said, that this is important and an achievement. It is important to have priorities in government and it is satisfying to get things over the line. Well done to all involved. While the Minister could not accept all the amendments today, I understand that it is important that he makes his case, but I also like the fact that he gives people an opportunity. I do not like the word "reject". I have said that to a number of Ministers when they su…