Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

Given the high level of infrastructural deficit areas not referred to by the Taoiseach, why did no meeting take place in June? For example, in terms of waste management, three quarters of recyclables go abroad and there is a lack of producer responsibility. Does it occur to the Taoiseach, in speaking of the issues on the agenda, that we will need probably a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions over the next 50 years? That is the general global figure and, unfortunately, it has been revised upwards as more evidence becomes available. Does that impact on his considerations in the committee meetings in regard to infrastructure?

The Taoiseach referred to water supply. Did he mean to say, "water management" rather than "water supply"? Is it not the case that if he is serious about that issue, the priority should be management rather than supply? Given that there are budgetary constraints, does the Taoiseach regard it as acceptable, in dealing with infrastructure projects, that there is no consideration of cost-benefit analysis? Is this not an issue the committee should address in regard to the provision of such facilities as housing and schools as well as expensive projects such as the runway at Dublin Airport? Is the Taoiseach not concerned that there has been no cost-benefit analysis, not to mention a health assessment, of such a major project, financially and in terms of its impact in the area in which it is planned to be constructed? Given that the Department of Finance has said a cost-benefit analysis should form part of all infrastructural developments of this order, why has none been conducted to date?

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