Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I asked a question of the Tánaiste yesterday but did not get an answer. The Taoiseach might respond today. Ireland has signed the Aarhus Convention but has not yet ratified it. Having regard to Article 29.5.1° of the Constitution, when will the convention be ratified and laid before the Dáil?

Since my request to adjourn the Dáil under Standing Order No. 31 was disallowed, may I ask the Taoiseach about the Building Control Bill, which in September 2003 was promised for early 2004 and is now being promised for late 2005? Technically, the energy performance on building directive is to be introduced on 4 January 2006. Indications from the freedom of information process are that it will be delayed until 2009. Will the Taoiseach take a leadership role in this and ensure that energy conservation is prioritised, given our lack of fuel security, not to mention climate change? Has the Taoiseach heard of the Aarhus Convention?

See this speech in context