Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

We also have a few of those vehicles in our part of the country. Now that we are operating in a higher energy environment, the question of energy efficiency, the use of alternative fuels and securing greater efficiencies is something countries must consider now, as was discussed with ECOFIN. At an informal ECOFIN meeting held by the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, in Manchester a few weeks ago, this issue came up for considerable discussion because of the ramifications of higher oil prices for the future. There is also a responsibility on car manufacturers and others, as the Deputy said. This morning I heard people who defend the car industry suggest that the CO2 emissions from these newer vehicles are less than the level of emissions previously. They regard that as a plus.

From our point in regard to this measure, we will carefully consider its ambit and scope. I set out in my reply a number of important considerations from this country's point of view as we seek to examine what way we can move the issue forward with the Commission.

See this speech in context