Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 April 2024
68. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can confirm that the marine protected areas Bill will be brought forward in April; whether the delay to date in publishing the Bill has been a technical issue; if so, if he will provide details on what that issue is; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16795/24]
View answerI can confirm that the delay in publication of the Marine Protected Areas Bill has arisen due to the legal and technical complexity associated with this ground breaking legislation. This has meant that drafting has taken longer than anticipated. However, my Department has been working in close collaboration with parliamentary drafters and our legal advisors to develop this Bill. Drafting is now at an advanced stage and the Bill is listed for priority publication in the Government’s Summer 2024 Legislation Programme, which was approved by Government and published on 16 April.
