Dáil debates

Thursday, 30 November 2006

Multilateral Carbon Credit Fund: Motion

 

12:00 pm

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I welcome the debate on the terms of the agreement between Ireland and the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development on participation in the multilateral carbon credit fund. It is a wake-up call for all Members of the Oireachtas. Regardless of party politics, it is important we all adopt the green agenda because it is essential. It is unacceptable to see Ministers having a go at members of the Green Party for the sake of it rather than examining its sensible proposals over the past 20 years. We should be open and honest and accept that the Green Party has had a major influence on us in regard to green issues, the environment and health. We should not be afraid to say it has been a major influence here and I commend it on the work it has done on this issue. The Green Party has brought a section of the people along with it and it has shown leadership.

When I see Ministers on television or at conferences having a go at the Green Party for the sake it, I want to tell them to grow up, that it does not help their case and that the public sees through it as well. It is important the Minister listens to, and learns from, his voters. The members of the Green Party in this House have had a major influence on environmental and other such issues. If somebody comes up with a sensible idea, regardless of the party to which he or she belongs, all Members of the Oireachtas should support it. That is my solution.

I strongly support the Kyoto Protocol and many of the contributions made by Deputies. However, as well as leaders in Government showing leadership, we must also look at industrialists in this State, the leadership they show and at the way they deal with their responsibilities in regard to emissions and the environment. They have a responsibility and a duty to do something about their patch. The transport industry must also face up to its responsibility because it is having a negative impact on this debate.

The Irish economy is less energy and material intensive per unit of GDP than it was several years ago. However, absolute pressures on the environment have continued to increase, although less rapidly than GDP. Ireland continues to face many environmental challenges, in particular, controlling air emissions from transport and energy production, reducing pollution, loading water for municipal and agricultural sources, improving waste management and nature protection. Major environmental considerations affect all sectors of social and economic activity, transcend geographical boundaries and impact on regions, counties and the planet as a whole.

In each sector, the importance of the environmental agenda is growing, which is very important. Perhaps the biggest issue facing the energy and transport sectors is emissions of CO2 and other atmospheric pollutants while the biggest issue in local government is waste management. Increasingly, in industry, it is a combination of the two. In commercial and industrial sectors, where historically care for the environment has depended on good corporate citizenship, new economic and fiscal measures are making the environment a fundamental business issue. That is something that should be pointed out.

Another important issue, which has arisen in the context of the peace process, is an all-island dimension to the environment. There is a clear logic for North-South co-operation on environmental policy and action. Water courses do not stop at borders and the management of waste is a growing problem on the island as a whole. There is a strong rationale for sharing best practice across the island.

I encourage the Minister and the Government not to fill in the 52 acres of Dublin Bay. One of the best environmentalists to become a Member of this House was Seán Dublin Bay Loftus. I will continue to push the green agenda in the House.

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