Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

What targets in respect of emission reductions have been agreed by Government? Will the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, outline while in Copenhagen or in this House when he returns the structure in terms of how such targets are to be achieved?

The Taoiseach announced a €100 million contribution from Ireland over three years to the fast-start climate package. The Government has not made this announcement without knowing what contribution will be made in 2010 and from where that money will come. I do not think the Taoiseach responded to a question from Deputy Gilmore in that regard. Perhaps the Taoiseach will indicate what amount it is expected will be contributed in 2010 and from what source this money will come. If one makes a recommendation in respect of such a contribution one will know from where that money is coming.

Is the Taoiseach satisfied that we are doing enough in terms of meeting our targets and potential in respect of renewable energy? We have lost a great deal in terms of investment in pilot schemes in respect of wave and tidal energy. The ongoing rows in regard to foreshore Acts in the Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Environment, Heritage and Local Government have resulted in our failing to do what we should be doing. There is much potential in renewables in the west and northwest. Clare County Council has examined the potential of its county in terms of high, medium, low and no potential for wind and is inserting a material contravention of its county development plan to meet that need. If that were to be replicated right across that stretch of countryside up as far as Donegal, significant potential could be identified, but there is no follow through in terms of asking EirGrid how it intends to plug into this potential.

If we are really serious about meeting the targets set out by Government, of which the Ministers, Deputy John Gormley and Deputy Eamon Ryan, speak, then we should be far more energetic and aggressive about putting in place the structures to deal with them. Is the Taoiseach happy he is driving this hard enough so that we can have a realistic chance of measuring up to the targets set by the Government?

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