Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was laughing at the media. Two weeks ago I organised a conference in Dublin Castle of policy makers from all over Europe. It involved the corporate and non-governmental sectors on the issues of energy, energy efficiency and renewable energy. The media covered the protest outside Dublin Castle and did not even mention that there was a conference on renewable energy taking place inside.

Professor Convery mentioned a good idea, that civil servants should not be promoted without ensuring they are aligned with the agenda and stand front and centre. We could take that suggestion on board and draw up a grid for each Department to reach targets. The media should also draw up a policy. Rather than covering a wind energy protest, they should cover the issue of why wind energy production is necessary in Ireland. Education of the media is important.

Professor Convery has stated we should achieve the European targets and avoid taking an "ourselves alone" policy. Given our last presentation, I was led to believe we had been doing everything wrong. However, Professor Convery is an academic and we have discussed using academia and science to guide us independently. I have listened to the comments on how to drive particular sectors. Agriculture is important. I do not know whether this is Professor Convery's field, but what recommendation would he make to drive that sector? We have received presentations on it. With the exception of Austria, Ireland has the most efficient carbon footprint in the European beef sector. There is another country with a good footprint, but I cannot remember which one it is.

I agree with Professor Convery on green schools. The issue was mentioned at the committee by An Taisce and I compliment it on its work. What else could be done? Professor Convery mentioned school visits. Every politician is delighted to visit green schools, as I have done.

In terms of sustainable energy, Professor Convery referred to buildings. Two presentations ago retrofitting was mentioned. Obviously, this would be a priority for Professor Convery. How would we go about funding it?