Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Taoiseach as ucht an fhreagra a thug sé don Teach. I was interested to hear about the Taoiseach's activities in Saudi Arabia, not least because while he was there, the Minister for Foreign Affairs was moonlighting in Balbriggan on his behalf. We were all very interested to know why the Taoiseach was in Saudi Arabia while the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, was opening Balbriggan Town Hall. While the Taoiseach explained that quite well, I assure him that he missed a great day in Balbriggan.

The Taoiseach recently spoke about the manner in which the World Economic Forum, which recently met in Davos, marvelled at this country's dynamism. I understand that the forum also marvelled at the lack of snow in Switzerland, as an example of how climate change is catching up seriously on its "business as usual" plans.

The Taoiseach mentioned energy in his reply. Will he elaborate on what he heard discussed and what contribution he made on the subject of climate change, given that it is a matter on which global international co-operation is required? Was attention drawn to the bad record of this country or was that masked by the marvelling at the dynamism he mentioned? Will the Taoiseach comment on the fact that Ireland is not performing well on its international commitments under the Kyoto Protocol, with a small cut of 5% rather than the 80% cut that is needed according to the IPCC report?

I spoke at the Forum on Europe last week. I discussed the situation with the constitution and how it might be necessary to reassess it to get a more optimum document that might enjoy greater support and consensus. There might be a role for the convention to sit again for a limited period in an effort to reflect the democratic wishes of the people in the Netherlands and France and the concerns of the other member states. I agree that the Charter of Fundamental Rights is important, and that is one of many aspects to be discussed.

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