Mary O'Rourke (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I did not know whether I would be able to come to the House today. As I listened to the speakers it struck me this was a debate in which I wished to have an input. We have had "do-good" debates for the past few weeks, including a seemingly endless debate on the Intoxicating Liquor Bill. While I know it was very worthy, I declined to speak on it because as a person who likes a glass of wine I believe it would be hypocritical of me to lecture others on what they should and should not drink. For this reason I hesitated to show my face. It is not as if a glass of wine is in any way dangerous, but if one enjoys a glass it seems a little odd to lecture that others should not have one.

While listening to this debate I was struck by several matters which I wish to lay before the House. Climate change is truly an international global issue and it is no overstatement to say as much. However, by so doing we strike the fear of God in everyone. One wonders if is there anything one poor, single person can do to help effect change and of course there is. Climate change is a personal issue as well as an international and a national issue. We cannot say it is all the Government's fault. Nor can we say the Government must do something wonderful to address climate change overnight and if not there will be finger-wagging in the Dáil next week. All that is silly as responsibility is down to every individual.

This is why I found the "Power of One" campaign very interesting and heartening. It is down to each person how he or she will address climate change. It sounds very ordinary but I understand if one walks about the house before leaving on a Tuesday morning and plugs out every appliance it would mean quite a decrease in carbon emissions. Imagine the impact if everyone lucky enough to have kettles, radios, televisions, clothes dryers and so on did this. I did exactly this before I left the place where I stay in Dublin this morning — a small apartment. It struck me that I had not done so for months, which shows how careless one can get.

This brings me to my beef or crib. Why is the campaign always painted in such penitential and punishable ways? We hear the seas will cover Ireland again. I recall that we were told when we were growing up that Ireland and England was one land mass and there was no division.

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