Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I will ask a couple of questions. Deputy O'Rourke rightly pointed out the issue of targeting particular socioeconomic areas and the people in greatest need.

Allied to that, there is an issue relating to targeting areas of poor air quality. In a significant number of areas in Ireland, air quality is adversely impacting the health of the people. I believe 470,000 people in Ireland are affected by asthma, which costs the State almost €500 million per year. A significant report found that one in five premature deaths globally is due to fossil fuel pollution. The public health aspect cannot be overstated. In his chairmanship, Mr. Byrne might bring that to the board and perhaps work with the EPA and the HSE. There is an issue with monitoring in which I believe SEAI could have a significant role. Many of our most polluted areas do not have extensive monitoring systems set up. Mr. Byrne should feel free to comment.

Where does he feel the SEAI might be able to improve in the coming years in the delivery of its programme generally.