Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

Does the Taoiseach agree that if the European Union is to lead on this matter, it should first ensure that its own member states are developing their natural resources to the extent that they can play a major part in reducing CO2 emissions? We do not have to look far to see the failures in this regard. The Government established an all-party Oireachtas committee but proceed to ignore its recommendations entirely. As my colleague, Deputy Gilmore, has stated, that committee has already produced two legislative proposals, one on climate change and the other on offshore renewable energy. Neither report has seen the light of day, yet we hear much from Government about the importance of the committees structure.

Second, we have neither the legislative provisions nor the grid capacity to develop our natural resources, let alone to meet European targets. It is a disgrace. We are years behind and will continue to be years behind in the development of ocean energy.

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