Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Professor Kirby for his presentation and paper. Ireland's economic crisis occurred because powerful capitalist interests played the music while politicians danced a jig. Is there a danger that the dominance of these interests in the western media means they are so powerful that they may prevent a real debate on climate change? Are democratic institutions sufficiently powerful to hold the ring and make a call on climate change that is in the interests of citizens? That is the overall context.

Professor Kirby correctly noted that a number of steps must be taken within a short timeframe. On emissions targets, what is his view on the bottom-up approach under which one asks each sector to produce a plan for carbon reduction? Is it realistic to have such plans? The reason I support the introduction of five year targets is that they would match the term of governments. While I accept that governments do not always last for five years - we had three governments in 18 months at one point - my concern is that longer timeframes could result in us hitting a carbon cliff because a government could decide to kick the can down the road and leave the issue of carbon emissions to its successor. Such an approach would cause the problem to build up and we would hit a carbon cliff at some point. What is Professor Kirby's view? Should emissions targets or carbon budgets be set in five year timeframes?

Professor Kirby cited a report by an advisory body to the German Government. There are different views on achieving change. Some believe one should involve the various stakeholders, while others argue that one should focus on the views of experts. What is Professor Kirby's position? Should we listen to experts such as independent scientists, sociologists and economists who do not have a vested interest in pushing an agenda on behalf of any particular sector and whose interest lies in protecting the environment and humankind?

Moves are afoot in the North to introduce climate change legislation. Is an all-Ireland approach required, particularly given that the two jurisdictions are on one island and climate change clearly will not stop at Hackballscross or Lifford? Should we seek to have some joined up thinking, North and South, on this issue?