Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

This Bill is impressive, far-reaching and progressive and it encompasses a very wide range of issues, including fire safety, climate change and industry registration. The Minister should be congratulated on bringing it forward and addressing so many concerns in one fell swoop. The Bill is multifaceted and yet it is cohesive. Each section is deserving of a speech in itself. There is not a single person in this country that the Bill, when enacted, will not affect. Its provisions for the implementation of the directive on energy performance in buildings and its consideration of global greenhouse gas levels serve as a case in point.

As all Members are aware, the stricter controls on fire safety contained in this Bill are being proposed close to the 25th anniversary of the Stardust tragedy. This appalling event is a black mark on the history of this State and, as a public representative for Artane and surrounding areas, I have experienced at first hand the heartbreak and suffering it has caused. I welcome the recent discussions provoked by the landmark anniversary of the disaster and hope they will eventually lead to some kind of closure on the event.

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