Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are sitting beside each other, this is the Oireachtas environment committee and we are all here to discuss the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill. We all accept that the environment is the most important aspect of any policy decision that we will make for a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.

In respect of the 2020 renewable energy target for wind energy, which is very topical and contentious, I read in last year's document that we are 630 MW behind the target set out in the national renewable energy action plan outlined for 2012 and that we would need to increase our wind power by 250 MW per annum to reach the 2020 target. How are we going to do that? Educating the public is very badly needed. What are the fines, if any, if we do not reach our targets?

On transport, while the base has increased from zero to 2% all over Europe, it is still poor. Electric cars can only do so much. What other actions in the area of transport are we not taking that, in Mr. Spratt's view, we should be taking? Is there any particular action he believes we should prioritise? Given this is a huge issue in respect of which progress is very slow, what would be the first thing the delegates would do that would cost the least amount but have the most effect?

There has been little policy Europe-wide, although not in Ireland, on the heat element of renewable energy. What can be done to advance this? As I understand it, the 2012 EU directive on renewable targets explicitly includes heating and cooling. I agree solar and thermal energies are great and that the old argument that we do not get enough sun in Ireland to make these worthwhile no longer stands up. Is it worth promoting these big time or would that be too expensive to do? As I understand it Ireland is also falling down in this area.

Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan mentioned anaerobic digestion and waste to energy. The potential of this source is not being fully utilised. How can we do more in this area? We are a dairy producing country. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, will address a conference tomorrow in Dublin Castle. The Irish dairy industry has the lowest carbon footprint in the world.