Éamon Ó Cuív demands recommitment of Wildlife Bill

Éamon Ó Cuív pressed the Tánaiste for a timeline to recommit the Wildlife Bill of 2016 and for sight of any Government counter-amendments. He said he has repeatedly raised the issue and urged that the short recommitment debate on three amendments be scheduled so the Bill can be finalised.

Background of the Bill

The Wildlife Bill of 2016 passed all stages in the Dáil and passed all stages in the Seanad, where three amendments were made. The Ceann Comhairle has indicated the Bill can be recommitted at the stage it reached when the general election was called in January 2020.

Requests made to the Tánaiste

Éamon Ó Cuív said he has raised the matter time and again through questions, topical issues and QPL but has received no clear reply. He sought confirmation of when the Government will reintroduce the Bill, recommit it to the House and publish any proposed counter-amendments.

Government position and legal review

The Tánaiste replied that the amendments are being examined by the Attorney-General and said she would try to obtain a more detailed answer for the deputy. The Business Committee has attempted to expedite progression of the Wildlife Amendment Bill, according to the exchange.

Implications and next steps

If recommitted, the House could hold a short debate on the three Seanad amendments and, if concluded, allow this piece of legislation to become law. Éamon Ó Cuív pressed for both a timetable and the production of the Government's counter-amendments so the process can move forward.