Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I have read the amendment. The Minister would be surprised at how much reading I do from time to time despite his obvious belief to the contrary. If we are serious about this whole area and the need to deal with the whole question of carbon emissions — I fully realise industry has requirements and that we cannot close down the country — we have to make a contribution by degrees. We have to combat our particular carbon footprint and we have a duty to do that. We cannot change the world but we can make our contribution to change. It is by a variety of contributions that we will make a realistic impact and illustrate to others that something of this nature can be done. Eventually I hope to see something along the lines suggested by Deputy Gilmore that every member of the public will be able to recognise the realistic contribution they can make. Incidentally, I accept scientists have proven that we have to address this issue. By the same token there is a series of other contributory factors all of which will, ultimately, have to be tackled and addressed. Now is the time to take the necessary action given that in a 100 years most of us, no disrespect to any of us, are not likely to be around. Along with being prescriptive we must be prepared to write up the prescription. I think that is what Deputy Gilmore is proposing. I support the amendments and await with interest to hear what the Minister has to say.

I have to attend another committee at the same time as this debate although I do not have the gift of bilocation. I am sure the Minister will be delighted to hear I cannot remain here beyond 9.30 p.m. but I will do my best to be as creative as possible in the meantime.

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