Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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One might draw the unwarranted conclusion that women are not very good at figures and that is cause for reflection.

I thank our guests for all the documents. It makes for difficult reading for me, as an ordinary member of the Committee of Public Accounts, but it is very helpful.

Separate to the CSO, our guests considered the implication of increasing carbon tax. Based on their results, and previous research, it is accepted that carbon tax is regressive and, in accepting same, actions must be taken to undo its regressive nature and equalise it out. Within that limited research, our guests have come to the conclusion that carbon tax should be an element in a climate policy to change people's behaviour.

I come from a different background. More women might help a sense of balance. I can think of many other ways to change. I welcome the research, it is good information and will help us but are there not many other ways of changing people's behaviour besides punitive measures?