Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is certainly no defensiveness on my part, even though I am part of the policy-making agenda. I am totally open to listening to the expertise in academia and science, but I am also charged with ensuring the economy stays on track and that there is sufficient money, for example, to pay all social welfare recipients. While broadly welcoming the heads of the Bill, Dr. Doran has pointed out that they do not include targets. The reality is that the "how to" questions we are posing can be just as effective as targets if we are all working to the same agenda. For instance, the Minister envisages a low-carbon objective for 2050 which would see zero omissions from energy generation. How feasible does Dr. Doran consider that to be? What is his view on the potential increase in the marginal cost of abatement measures for the end stages of the process to complete conversion? There is also a carbon-neutral objective in regard to agriculture. These laudable objectives are not called targets, but they signpost the direction in which everybody is trying to go.

Dr. Doran has observed that design is the first signal of human intention. We are charged with designing for living, the economy, sustainable development and so on. We put on all of these hats when we come to these meetings and listen to the experts. I take a great deal from their contributions. A previous delegate made the point that we should avoid the "ourselves alone" mindset on this issue, which might see us dissociating from the European Union. This is a small island and we cannot stand alone in seeking to effect change in this area. Does Dr. Doran envisage a situation in which Ireland has the capacity to go out in front on this issue? If it is possible for us to lead the way, we should do so. In fact, we are already recognised as being ahead of the posse in several respects, being among the top three countries in Europe on several indicators.

Dr. Doran's reference to the limits of capacity is very apt. How does he see us proceeding within the limited economic capacity in which we find ourselves? The incremental implementation approach being taken in the United Kingdom sounds like a good one. Has any work been undertaken in ascertaining the cost - day to day, month to month and year to year - of implementing a strategic and incremental approach in each sector? It seems that is how it should be done, but it is, as always, a case of "how to".