Wind turbine and protected disclosures legislation
Jonathan O’Brien raises concerns about wind-turbine setback provisions and seeks progress on the related Bill, while also querying the timetable for the Protected Disclosures Bill. The Tánaiste says consultation must conclude before the wind-turbine Bill advances and maintains that the Protected Disclosures Bill remains intended for completion by 11 June.
I wish to inquire about two tranches of legislation. The first relates to a Private Members' Bill which is currently on Committee Stage, the Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2014. On Monday, the report of the independent inspector in respect of the decision by Westmeath County Council to incorporate setback distances for wind turbines into the council draft development plan was launched. Unfortunately, the council supported the contention of the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, that the setback distances were not going to be adhered to. This is of considerable concern to residents throughout the midlands. The Wind Turbine Regulation Bill is currently on Committee Stage. When will it be brought forward by the Minister to be discussed on Committee Stage?
What is the position on the Protected Disclosures Bill relating to whistleblowers? Report Stage was due to be taken on 11 June. The list of legislation to be completed by the summer recess was published yesterday by the Whip's office but it is not included on the list. Is it still on course to be completed before the summer recess?
Comment on this
I understand a public consultation process is taking place in respect of the Wind Turbine Regulation Bill and it is due to be finalised in the third quarter of this year. Obviously, that process must be completed before the Bill proceeds to Committee Stage.
The Protected Disclosures Bill is awaiting Report Stage.
Comment on this
We were informed by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, in response to a question from Deputy McDonald, that it would be taken on 11 June, but it was not included on the list, published yesterday, of legislation to be completed before the summer recess.
Comment on this
My understanding is that there is no change in the plans to complete that Bill this session. The information I have is that it is to be on 11 June. I have no information to the contrary and, therefore, I will work with that. The list circulated yesterday is not the complete list. The intention is that the Bill will be completed.