Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

I certainly recognise that we need to create a framework by which we can come to terms with the policy instruments needed over the long term. I dislike the Kyoto Protocol's rigid approach, although it may be inevitable given that it can only try to control one aspect of policy. Optimal decision making does not accord with the assignment of 10% to one and 11% to another but that is probably the only way that subscribing states can be focused on reaching an international agreement.

I would welcome a tangible debate on Government strategies which reflect a common approach to this area. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government articulates a very different view on these matters from other Ministers, even though they have supposedly signed up to a shared position. We need to bring these issues into the open to see the whites of the eyes, so to speak, of the Kyoto Agreement in terms of what it means for us and what the next agreement might involve. Public opinion can then be shaped in a way that responds to these issues in a timely fashion so that we do not have to implement reactive measures. That is the value of Deputy Boyle's proposal.

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