Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Before that, if I may, I will say that in the end, there was engagement and it made the legislation a lot better and the Minister was much happier. There was, however, an attempt at a certain point where things were going to be moving fast. Regarding amendments I am proposing here again, I was told we do not have time and that we should not have to look at these matters; matters that are really important in respect of climate and sustainability, for example. There was - at the time to which I am referring - a question of whether we should even be discussing definitions. There will be considerable scrutiny and engagement. I acknowledge that, when discussing the HEA legislation, the then Minister, Deputy Harris, did engage in the end. He was happier with the Bill when there was engagement and when he accepted amendments from the Seanad – amendments that did in fact strengthen and improve the HEA Bill in the end. I hope we can begin this process at the point where that debate ended, a point of constructive engagement. If we can, it would be good.