Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the plastic bags issue, we are conscious that the ambition with which this country led the way must not be thwarted by some of the unintended consequences of what might be proposed. Several years ago we were all discussing the huge opportunities for Ireland in biofuel production. The discussion appears to have gone quiet in recent times because of issues relating to profitability. An unintended consequence of that debate was the impact of biofuels on land and emissions. These issues have come into play as part of our discussions on the indirect changes to land use arising from biofuels. We want the scientific evidence underlying what is being proposed to be set out in an open and transparent way so that we can determine the impact of these measures on biofuel production. We have to meet renewable energy targets as part of the renewable energy directive but we want the associated risk to be teased out.

I agree with the Deputy in regard to public awareness of climate change. I hope the sectoral roadmaps that will be published by the various Departments in the spring set out the practical measures required to deal with these issues, as well as spelling out the implications of not taking action. Deputy Catherine Murphy referred to the Philippines. Our television screens bring home to us the potential for trouble but people move on quite quickly and forget about the disasters. Even in a smaller way, there could be major impacts on our own citizens and coastal areas. I will be investigating ways of selling the message based on the sectoral roadmaps from the Departments and the practical measures we need to highlight.