Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this new Bill. I commend the Green Party for bringing this progressive legislation before the House, which I will strongly support. It seeks to ensure we achieve an annual pro rata in domestic greenhouse emissions necessary internationally to maintain the average increase in global temperatures at less than two degrees. The bottom line is that we need action and targets. Successive Governments have pussyfooted around this issue for years. Now is the time to move and I want all Deputies in the House to unite and support this sensible and progressive legislation.

I know it is trendy and fashionable at times, in particular in some media and literary political circles, to criticise the Green Party but I take an independent view. If the Green Party has a sensible policy or proposed legislation of quality, I will support it. This has always been my position and hence my support for the Bill. This is also an opportunity to challenge the Government, in particular the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which appears to be sleepwalking through this international crisis. I welcome section 8, which commits the Minister to a national plan to be reviewed every three years.

I do not use the word "sleepwalking" lightly. We must face the reality that Ireland is at the bottom of the premier league on the environment, in particular for producing greenhouse gases and waste. Our emission outputs increased by 25% between 1990 and 2003, which is a disgrace. It shows that successive Governments have not delivered on the issue. We have not seen similar climate changes in over 5,000 years. A total of 10% of Swiss glaciers disappeared in the summer of 2003. Europe's average temperature rose by 0.95 degrees in the 20th century.

We have seen increased flooding in recent years. The people of Drumcondra, Fairview and Clontarf are well aware of this issue due to the effect of flooding in their local communities. Internationally, there were 238 floods between 1975 and 2001, yet there were 15 floods in 2002. Let us not forget the 20,000 people who died in Europe in the heat wave of summer 2003. This is the reality of our debate and a warning for the future. Between one third and a half of the world's forests have been burned or chopped down, which is why we need urgent action. Tonight is a glorious opportunity to do something before it is too late.

Before I go into further detail on the legislation, it is also important to highlight the position regarding wars and their terrible human and environmental costs. Exploding large bombs in the Middle East, including Iraq, and elsewhere and using chemical weapons not only destroys human beings but destroys the environment. I raise this issue in the context of this debate as not only are Mr. Blair and President Bush war criminals, they are also guilty of profound international environmental vandalism. They must be challenged at all levels and in all quarters. We cannot turn a blind eye to President Bush and his allies as this can never be an option in democratic politics.

I challenge the Government on these issues. Our citizens are becoming sick and tired at the destruction of our world, our people and our environment. I welcome section 5 as it sets out targets for the Government at international level. It ascribes a leading role to the Government in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in concert with other EU and OECD member states. Section 5(2) identifies two targets for the reduction of domestic greenhouse gas emissions necessary to maintain the average increase in global temperatures below 2° Celsius, namely, a reduction of 15% to 30% by 2020 and a reduction of 60% to 80% by 2050. These are commonsense and progressive proposals. If we want results, we must have targets. I stress the need for planning, implementation and action.

I also warmly welcome section 6 which sets down the terms of the preparation and the content of the national plan to ensure our obligation to meet climate change targets are fulfilled. It commits the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, to drawing up a national plan detailing the measures required to achieve the target reduction in our domestic emissions. The plan will subsequently be reviewed and modified as required. Section 6(2) provides that a scheme of per capita carbon allocation and training scheme may be included in the national plan. This is a detailed plan for the Minister to implement as he needs to do something rather than just waffling on programmes such as "Questions and Answers". We have had enough talk and old guff. Now is the time for the Minister to get on the pitch and score a goal for the environment.

I challenge the Government and the other political parties but I acknowledge we also have a role to play, both as parliamentarians and as citizens. We must play our part in local communities. I wish to pay tribute to the local residents and community and environmental groups in my area, especially in Clontarf, Marino, Fairview, Killester, Artane, Beaumont, Coolock, Raheny and Drumcondra. I commend the groups such as Charlemont residents' association and Dublin Bay Watch for their great community and voluntary work and their efforts to improve our environment. It all starts locally and it is important we recognise and value these people working in their own areas. They have all made a positive contribution in making the environment a safer place for children and themselves. I thank them and commend them on their magnificent efforts.

Section 7 sets out the role of the various Ministers in ensuring that Ireland fulfils its obligations in reducing domestic greenhouse gas emissions. Section 7(3) commits the Minister for Finance to report annually to the Houses of the Oireachtas on the provisions made in the annual budget and to ensure our annual target reduction in domestic emissions is met. I hope the Minister for Finance can deliver on subsection (3) as it will need finance to work well and efficiently.

I refer to flooding and two important issues in my own local area, in particular the proposed infill of the 52 acres in Dublin Bay. This is a very dangerous proposal. I urge the Minister not to allow this to happen. There have been major flooding issues in the Clontarf and Fairview area. This is a nightmare which will be worse if action is not taken. Dublin Bay experienced extensive flooding last year. The Environmental Protection Agency recommended that no further reclamation of estuary lands be undertaken before the reality of rising sea levels is addressed. I urge the Minister to listen carefully to those recommendations. I will work as long as I am a Member of this House to protect and preserve what remains of the amenities of Dublin Bay.

I also wish to raise the issue of the flooding of the Tolka river which is directly linked to the issue of climate change. Waste water from the Dublin Port tunnel is being pumped into the Tolka river, despite major efforts to improve the environment.

Section 8 deals with reporting to the Houses of the Oireachtas and accountability. I welcome the legislation. I thank Deputies Eamon Ryan, Cuffe, Gormley, Gogarty, Boyle and their leader, Deputy Sargent, and commend them on their vision, leadership and courage in bringing forward this progressive legislation which I will support.

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