Legislative Measures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023

Tuesday, 21 March 2023

Questions (436)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

436. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will consider the amendments made to the Wildlife Bill 2016 in Seanad Éireann; when he will complete his consideration of the Bill; when he will propose to Government that permission be sought to have this Bill restored to the order paper for Dáil Éireann’s final consideration; the reason for the more than four year delay in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13013/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016 gives legal effect to the proposed reconfiguration of the raised bog Natural Heritage Area network arising from the 2014 review of the raised bog Natural Heritage Area network.

The Bill had completed its passage through the Seanad, and had been returned to the Dáil so that amendments made by the Seanad could be considered, when the Bill lapsed with the dissolution of the 32nd Dáil in January 2020.

My Department has fully considered the amendments made in the Seanad in consultation with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel (OPC), from a legal and drafting perspective, and alternative amendments have been drafted. It has also worked closely with the Bills Office to clarify matters in respect of a lapsed Bill. I plan to bring a Memorandum to Government in the coming weeks seeking approval to have the Bill restored to the Order Paper.