Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Will the Minister update us on the roadmap for our transport emission targets? In that context, could we make a move towards the utilisation of liquid gas so as to displace dependency on petrol and diesel, which I understand would just require a simple modification to a vehicle? However, I believe this would have to be policy driven. I say this with the commercial benefits in mind. Hopefully, we will see gas coming from the Corrib gas field and I know there is a plant in the south of the country looking for permission to produce liquid gas. As a more immediate step towards reducing our transport emissions, we need to look at something like this. We will not displace petrol, diesel or oil unless we have viable alternatives when people go to the pumps or to their filling stations.

I am talking about it even as an alternative to the electricity chargers. As things stand, they will only take off, from a cost and an effectiveness point of view, in cities and on short journeys. In the rural areas I represent, I cannot see them taking off unless there are advances in technology and in the output from the batteries.

In the context of the framework for energy and climate, which is under discussion, I note the Commission's proposals will set out a new set of indictors to ensure a competitive and secure energy system. I think the Minister also mentioned an affordable system.

That will be the crunch point for the ordinary person who has a problem with energy poverty. We are aware that many people cannot afford to fill their oil tanks in winter. Renewables are more expensive to develop. What is the plan to make fuel more affordable in the long term as we invest in renewables? I understand the initial start-up is more costly but what is the plan to make fuel costs more affordable for the ordinary domestic consumer?

I say that in the context of the maintenance and renewal of local authority housing stock. Additional funding for same was made available by the Government recently. Windows and doors are replaced and external insulation is provided. I am concerned that the heating systems that are being upgraded and installed in houses are traditional oil fired central heating, which can mean people are dependent on oil. However, if they cannot afford to put oil in the tank they buy coal each week. How will such a person avoid carbon tax? What choice does somebody in that situation have? The questions are relevant. Unless people can see the benefit of renewables in the short to medium term and are assured that they will not face more and more cost which they cannot afford we will not win the debate. There is a vague idea that there will be a reduction in cost to the consumer but it must be outlined more clearly for public discourse in order for people to decide whether that is the way forward. People want to be environmentally responsible but we have become dependent on fossil fuels for technology and lifestyle and the transition cannot be unduly burdensome. That is recognised by the Department when it comes to business and it is acknowledged that we must be realistic when achieving targets.

We are trying to introduce measures to ensure biodiversity but there is a gap in knowledge among the general public. I include myself in that regard. We need to learn more about the importance of biodiversity and the environment. There is no educational policy on biodiversity other than the green flag initiative which is more prevalent in primary schools than in secondary schools. Young people get an appreciation of what is involved. They look at ecosystems on a minute basis. In most cases we pass such things by and do not appreciate the value of taking measures to preserve biodiversity. There is a need for renewable energy policies, wind energy and biodiversity to feature more in the education system at primary and secondary levels and not be left to the individual as to whether he or she wants to embrace a sustainable, environmental response to the way we live and how we engage with the environment. We must be more proactive.