Joe O'Reilly (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have been asked by my colleague, Senator Aideen Hayden, to apologise on her behalf for the fact that she had to leave prematurely. She was keen to congratulate the Dóchas representatives on their good work and applaud the presentations made. She will probably meet the members of the deputation later. I am happy to join her in making those positive comments on the work of Dóchas.

I wish to make reference to the great progress being made on the issue of climate change. I have been a member of the Council of Europe Committee on Social affairs, Health and Sustainable Development for a number of years. In fact, I chair the sub-committee on energy. As such I am mindful of the important progress made in Paris. The initiative was pioneered by it at a time when, to use a colloquialism, it was neither profitable nor popular to do so. The issues were being talked about and advanced by it.

It is reasonable to suggest the weather conditions and dreadful suffering endured in specific areas of the country on account of flooding this year are a stark reminder of the reality of uncontrolled carbon emissions and the lack of a deal to tackle climate change. The deal made is welcome. Obviously, options such as planting on land of no agricultural value will have to form a major part of our strategy. Other energy-saving initiatives involving the use of solar panels and other green and alternative energy sources will be important, too.

I have had good experience of the wind energy industry. In a particular part of my constituency wind turbines were provided, with a great buy-in and acceptance by the local community. This is in contrast with what happned in many other areas. The Chairman is my neighbour in County Meath and has family in County Monaghan and, as such, is aware that this is the case. There has been a great buy-in because of the community benefits and because local small farmers receive supplementary income from the use of the turbines. All of this has been good. However, there is a wave of publicity about wind energy that is negative. It relates to the cost involved and the level of carbon emissions in construction, etc. Will the deputation comment on this? Will it also comment on sustainable agriculture in Ireland? I know that bad land, for want of a better term, or agricultural land with less potential must be planted.

This must be a key factor in a strategy to deal with climate change. We have good sustainable land and grassland production of cattle. Is there merit in preserving this, considering the carbon emissions that will arise from the production of food in factories elsewhere? Overall, the outcome of the conference and the new rules are to be welcomed. Dr. Gold was right to emphasise this. Will the witnesses comment in general on what they think of Ireland's role and what we need to do specifically? Senator Hayden was anxious that I emphasise her welcome to the witnesses.