Ms Justice Mary Laffoy:

There would have been some very minor consideration of it, but I think it should be looked at.

Obviously, the committee should really look at plastic bottles. It comes to mind particularly this week given all we heard after Electric Picnic. Waste is a big issue and I am sorry we did not have more time to deal with those matters.

On the forests, I refer the Deputy to the report's summary of the evidence we got from Tony Garahy of Lough Boora Farm. I do not know if she had an opportunity to see that but I encourage her to read it. I agree with what she said. Bord na Móna and particularly Coillte are State bodies with remits in these areas and obviously that should be looked at.

The Deputy asked whether Met Éireann should have a role. I think it is a statutory body with specific statutory functions and the committee would have to look at that. Met Éireann gave the assembly a very interesting and useful presentation on what is happening now. In deciding whether Met Éireann could have a role in warning people about climate change, as the Deputy is suggesting, the committee would need to consider the statutory functions of Met Éireann. I am inclined to the view - I could be totally wrong - that it probably would not come in its remit, but it is definitely worth examining.

The media should be encouraged to deal in a fair and balanced manner with the issue of climate change. More importantly, bodies such as the EPA should be doing that. I am sure some members may have noticed that last week The Irish Timesprovided a supplement on climate change published by the EPA. In the final analysis, the State and the organs of the State need to provide the proper information to the citizens. I agree with the Deputy that the media should cover the matter in a balanced manner.