Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It was not earmarked for climate change initiatives, despite the EU telling us in a report two and a half years ago, "Along with nine other member states, Ireland was also deemed to provide a low level of detail on the application of revenue to projects aimed at reducing emissions." Two and a half years on, we have another €114 million this year plus last year's €114 million and no breakdown. The EU told us two and a half years ago, "Boys, you are not doing your job", and we are carrying on. Somebody needs to put a little bit of pressure on the system to be more open and transparent. I am sure this is a good initiative, but we see this silo approach. Revenue collects the tax and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform does the revenue. The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment is one Department. The reason we are talking to officials from that Department and not the former or Revenue is that the latter is the Department with the word "climate" in its title. That is why we are trying to assist it in strengthening the case it wants to make at Government level. That is why we are here today - to assist the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. I am speaking personally at this stage, and the committee will have to agree with any recommendations we make on this matter, but if we come out with strong recommendations in a positive manner, it will be with a view to increasing accountability and traceability and people's acceptance of the need for this initiative. They can only accept it if they know what is going on. I apologise to Deputy Connolly. I have done a little solo run.