Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, sorry, in Europe. That is a proud boast. As stated by Mr. McKiernan, setting targets is good but they should not be set at the same level for every country. For example, why should Ireland be penalised if a particular country does not meet its targets? In my view, we would be being penalised for being too good. One must balance the argument of targets against what works in a particular country. There is a need for further dialogue around the targets issue versus what and how we are doing, if it is working and if we are going to continue to penalise ourselves by setting extreme targets in a particular area while another country makes no attempt to achieve its targets. I am speaking in this regard about Europe rather than the rest of the world.

As stated, we are working towards carbon neutrality. I come from a farming background. How, given one cannot modify methane gas emissions from cows, is it proposed to make cows carbon neutral? We are doing well in the area of wood to energy. Given current planning exemptions in respect of the construction of 40 ft extensions many people are now installing solid fuel burning stoves. Planning regulations have not yet caught up with the mass of fuel burning. There is a need, because emissions from what is burned in stoves is often unpleasant, to ensure chimneys are erected to at least two-storey level. They should not be permitted on extensions.

On the new accounting rules and how they will affect us in the context of crop lands, grazing lands and so on, how we propose to deal with this is a huge issue for Ireland. It is one of the major issues with which we have to deal in the energy and climate change area. I would welcome a comment from the delegates on the implications for Ireland of not meeting the changes to the energy efficiency directive. Also, perhaps those of the delegates who can attend the conference in Dublin castle will do so.