Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

The Cabinet sub-committee on climate change met only twice last year and six times the previous year. It has not yet met in 2010. Perhaps the Taoiseach in his capacity as Chairman of that sub-committee will indicate when the heads of the Bill on climate change law, which has been repeatedly promised, will come before the House. I understand from the Department that it was expected that the heads of this Bill would be published in March. I understood it would be published in June but there is still no framework, other than an original document which is thin on the ground in terms of detail, in place.

Is the Government serious about tackling climate change? I am aware it has other matters on its mind. However, at the end of the day we must all work together to meet targets which are onerous on all Departments. Without climate change law, which is part of a commitment made by Government, we will not achieve those targets.

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