Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

In reply to the Deputy's question, we should take a forward view. Everyone must play his part. In reply to Deputy Kenny, I said that we should try to achieve the maximum possible target. The 20% target is the target we have set ourselves. In particular, I very much admire the Danes, who have taken a really aggressive stance on this matter. I know it is not possible for us to deal with some of these issues. The Danes have their own way of dealing with things. For example, in the area of wind farms, the Danes simply decided that they will go there and that is that.

We should take an aggressive stance on the matter. It might not matter two tossers for the next ten years, but, ultimately, it will be a terrible mistake not to. If everybody does not make a contribution, it will affect another generation possibly two generations ahead. I do not think anyone should sit on their hands. The scientific evidence is overwhelming. It does not create difficulty in the foreseeable future, but in 30 or 40 years time it will. It is far easier to take the decisions now rather than wait until we get to that position. I strongly support this stance.

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