Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The topic for discussion is Towards a New National Climate Change Policy: interim report of the National Economic and Social Council, NESC, with representatives of NESC. Is that agreed? Agreed. I welcome Dr. Rory O'Donnell, director, Dr. Larry O'Connell, senior economist, and Mr. Noel Cahill, economist, and thank them for their attendance at the committee this afternoon.

I draw their attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I advise the witnesses their opening statements and any other documents submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after the meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Before commencing with the presentation I wish to say a few words. Climate change is a big issue and I know it will feature strongly during Ireland's Presidency of the European Union in 2013. Therefore it is essential we are fully aware of all of the facts which need to be addressed in 2013. We need to meet our 2020 obligations, but according to the National Economic and Social Council, NESC, interim report we need to move beyond a compliance approach and I welcome this positive attitude. Ireland needs to be a world leader in this regard. We need to be at the forefront of promoting clean technology, clean fuel and a clean environment and in this regard I would like the witnesses to comment on a specific issue.

One of the main contributing factors to greenhouse gases is the production of animal waste. As an agricultural country we produce much of this as a by-product. It is not easy to dispose of and it has serious pollution and health and safety hazard implications. However, in its own right this by-product is a valuable resource as a ready source of almost pure methane. Biomass is an alternative to fossil fuels and accordingly can make a valuable contribution to reducing our emissions and reducing the costs of importing fossil fuels. However, it needs to be harnessed. My question is why this is not being done. Why are we not openly pursuing and discussing this? Why have we not acclimatised our minds to this issue? Throughout Europe there are examples of how it can be turned from an ugly problem into something which is very good in terms of emissions, environmental sustainability and sustainable jobs outside large urban centres. Members of the committee are acquainted with very successful projects in other EU member states. I ask the witnesses to refer to this in their address. I call on Dr. O'Donnell to address the committee.