Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for their presentations. There has been much discussion on the requirement for the Bill and its contents, but what we really need is action. We have been talking about this issue for decades and can see the reality around us. Nationally and globally, the impact of climate change is very evident. I live near the banks of the River Shannon and there are areas where flooding previously occurred only in the winter but now occurs in the summer and the winter. There are knock-on negative impacts on the environment, the economy and nature, with the demise of certain plants and creatures. I am thinking, in particular, of the corncrake. The officials will go back and expand on the heads of the Bill. Urgency and a great deal of clarity are required in order that people can see their responsibilities and how we will achieve the targets set. I wonder whether we are being ambitious enough. Is 2050 too far into the future? Should we pull back a little from that date?

The delegates referred to the responsibility of all of us to think not only of ourselves but also of other parts of the world impacted on by climate change. A presentation by Christian Justice Ireland reveals what African countries are experiencing. It is fantastic to hear about companies that are not waiting, that are taking the initiative in the knowledge that they must make changes by 2020. This is welcome and the example should be held out to other companies. These are creative individuals who can see benefits for their businesses, as well as benefits for the economy and the environment.

There are enormous challenges. I live in a county where I have been heavily lobbied by environmental groups about renewable energy projects and their benefits. Now, I am challenged by the fact that the same groups are returning and concerned about the wind turbines to which others referred. We have a major job of work to do in education. In this regard, I see an important cross-departmental role. On the one hand, we are reading papers on the potential of oil and gas exploration and fracking and, on the other, looking at wave and wind power and renewables. We are trying to get our head around the issue while trying to reduce the use of fossil fuels. It is an enormous challenge and we all need to lead by example in Government Buildings, Departments and the offices of Members of the Oireachtas. We should all take responsibility for reducing our carbon footprint in businesses and our homes. It has struck me that there are 166 Members of the Dáil, each with a constituency office. We can make a difference by learning how to factor it in in our everyday thinking.

With regard to education, we must go into primary schools. Young people educate other generations and I would like to see this aspect being built into the Bill. This is the first engagement and there will be plenty more. I thank the delegates for listening and look forward to the rest of the debate and the production of the Bill. Perhaps we might be given a timeframe for its production.