Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

What we need are real and measurable targets. The amendment offers a firm direction in that regard at 3.6 million Kyoto units per annum. If we are not going to adopt real and measurable objectives and targets, what we are doing here is using emissions trading as the cornerstone of the whole Kyoto deal. That is not what the Kyoto Agreement was about. Emissions trading was intended to be one small part of a comprehensive package. This is standing the whole process on its head. There is a better way.

The Minister equated householders with dirty industries that are largely uncontrolled in terms of CO2 emissions. That is grossly unfair to householders who are becoming more conscious and aware of their own usage of energy and dealing with CO2 generally, through public debate and, I hope through a debate such as this one. However, I accept we have a considerable way to go. Householders have proven through their approach to waste management that they are prepared to recycle. We are exceeding many of the targets set by Europe. If given reasonable infrastructure and the tools of awareness and education, people will buy into the process. We should be going down that road, at least in part. No doubt, the Minister will say he is doing that but, unfortunately, there is no evidence of it.

I do not say it lightly, but we are dealing with tokenism in terms of the issues that I have just addressed. We are overly dependent on emissions trading and that is most unfortunate. Is my time up?

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