Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I am conscious that the Minister needs to leave by 8 p.m. so I will be brief in my last slot. I note the references to the work the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, has done. He has really engaged with this committee. We have gone through the Bills on electoral reform and the mayor for Limerick. We are going through the Monuments and Archaeological Heritage Bill at the moment. I note subhead F8, which relates to peatlands restoration, conservation and management. I am once again talking about carbon emissions. What the restoration of our peatlands can do for us with regard to carbon sequestration is absolutely incredible. It also provides jobs in those midland areas. It is about the natural management of water, which can aid in addressing the flooding we often see in midland areas. That is key and I am glad to see that budget is there. It is worth €10.2 million, for a total of €13.8 million.

There is funding of €85 million under the energy efficiency subhead. I assume this is in addition to the funding for retrofitting announced by Government yesterday, that massive €8 billion.