Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

From the discussions we have had so far with the different sectors, those who are more persuaded by targets are those who see an opportunity on the business side. There is a resistance to targets because of the importance of our food industry, the agriculture sector and so on. It would be useful to hear what Mr. Stevenson has to say about the up-front capital cost - if we are to get offsets - in one sector as opposed to another in terms of some of the initiatives which might have been taken in Scotland. Clearly, we are in a fairly difficult position in terms of raising funds and so on. I would be interested to hear what Mr. Stevenson has to say on that.

The heads of the Bill state that the expert advisory body shall, subject to the consent of the Government, publish an annual report prepared in such a manner as the Government determines. There is no independence there and it is a completely different animal to that which Scotland went with. Does Mr. Stevenson think that kind of approach could be workable or does it require independence? I take what Mr. Stevenson said about the positive gain. I think it almost gives cover. How would this have played out if this had been the approach taken in Scotland - a more controlled approach?