Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I like to mention it occasionally. Very often, more is taken from what people do not say than from what they say.

Another point relates to carbon reduction, which is a critical issue that must be faced by Europe and each individual member state. To what extent do the witnesses see in both European and member state policy the move towards carbon reduction without dramatically affecting the economic output of the country? In some countries this relates to agricultural output, and some more urbanised nations may find it easy to suggest making sacrifices in the agricultural and food-producing sectors. National economies would be dramatically affected. What is the favourite policy throughout Europe, as that will affect us all? We will find consequences flowing from that which will affect us. If carbon reductions are not achieved, fines will follow and there will be a need to purchase carbon credits to meet guidelines that have already been laid down or even more stringent guidelines that may well be laid down by the international community. This involves not only the European Union but the international community.