Chairman:

I thank Professor Barrett. I will begin with a few questions. Is Ireland currently in a bind due to the fact that our economy is growing, which will continue to drive up emissions in the short term, thus widening the gap between our targets and actual emissions and possibly leading to greater expenditure in terms of compliance fines?

How does one square the circle in terms of decoupling emissions growth from economic growth and prosperity? Are there examples of other countries performing well in terms of economic growth and meeting environmental targets, either in particular sectors or as a whole?