Éamon Ó Cuív Questions Delay on Reconfigured Bog NHA Bill

Éamon Ó Cuív pressed the Taoiseach on the status of a wildlife amendment bill that would reconfigure bog NHAs, raising questions about publication, parliamentary scrutiny and administrative delay. He asked whether heads will be published, whether the bill will go to PLS before a final bill, and whether it has been placed in the 'MAD file'.

Bill history

The bill was published in the previous Dáil and sought to reconfigure bog NHAs. It came before the Dáil in 2016, was passed by the Dáil in December 2018, went to the Seanad the same day and was passed by the Seanad on 6 November 2019. The bill lapsed when the election was called and has not been recommitted in the new Dáil; it is listed among other legislation.

Questions raised

Éamon Ó Cuív asked when the bill will be published, whether the heads will be published and whether the bill will go to PLS before a final bill is produced. He also asked whether the bill has been delayed by the 'MAD file', which he described as "the maximum administrative delay, do nothing and buy time and do not deal with the issue".

Policy detail asked

The deputy described the bill's policy aim as reconfiguring NHA bogs - removing some areas and adding others - and pressed for clarity on how that reconfiguration will be handled in any renewed legislative process.

Government follow-up

The Taoiseach responded that he would pursue the matter and provide an up-to-date position on publication and whether the bill has been affected by the delay identified in the Dáil. A commitment was made to get the information for the deputy.