Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The total cost sought by Deputy Kenny is €560,000, excluding the Chief Whip and Tánaiste's programme manager.

On Deputy Sargent's questions, I depend on the staff in outside agencies and those dealing with the matter in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I do not have an expert of my own on climate change but there are people with considerable expertise within the system.

Deputy Sargent is correct and as this is increasingly an issue on the European agenda, I receive advice on a regular basis directly from the Department and officials within the Department.

See this speech in context