Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The committee was set up at the very end of September. That is four months ago and there have been three meetings, so I would consider it an active committee. The officials group meets separately.

I explained recently in the House in answer to another question that all the issues regarding climate change and negotiations with the European Commission on the decisions made in January were all directed at the Cabinet table. They were not directed to the sub-committee. The discussions which went on for most of last year related to the Commission's decisions and the share of the burden we all have to take. All of the meetings were discussed by Cabinet.

The issues of climate change and renewable energy are rarely off the main Cabinet table. As per the terms of reference, certain aspects are put to the sub-committee but the day to day important issues and what we are doing with the Commission are taken at full Cabinet level.

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