Citizen’s Assembly's biodiversity loss findings
The Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity proposes holding a referendum on the rights of nature.
All Government departments are examining the recommendations of the Citizen’s Assembly on Biodiversity Loss, the Dail was assured.
Agriculture, Food and Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue said the next steps and the most appropriate actions to address this important issue are being considered.
He was replying to Deputy Paul Murphy, who asked for his his views on the impact that inserting the rights of nature into the Constitution would have on agriculture.
Deputy Murphy also asked if he supports the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity’s proposal to hold a referendum on the rights of nature.
Minister McConalogue said the recommendation requires collaborative assessment across Government to identify the impact of actioning it and how such a proposal could be incorporated into the Constitution.
He said the Constitution is the fundamental law of the State and declares the fundamental rights of every Irish citizen.
Any changes to the Constitution require careful and thoughtful consideration across all of Government, he said.
The Minister said the forthcoming Fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan contains a commitment for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to explore the ways in which the rights of nature could be formally recognised, including the potential for constitutional change.
“I am committed to working with my colleagues in NPWS, and across Government, to delivering on this action,” he said.
