Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)

We will all agree that we have to be responsible and get any proposed climate change policy right on this occasion. Some outside commentators have said there is a lack of leadership from the Government in terms of developing and implementing a climate change policy. We all know it is a real issue. The Minister said in reply to other questions that we have had flooding and cold snaps. They are not one in 100 or 50 year events, they are becoming yearly events and we have to address them. As the Minister rightly said, the programme for Government has a commitment to publish a climate change Bill but it seems to have been long fingered which is regrettable.

I ask the Minister to reconsider the proposed increase in motor taxation. Some budget kites have been flown on the matter. We appreciate there might be some increases but there is a policy that fuel-efficient cars pay a lower rate of tax. Increases should not be of the order advanced.

I refer to the UN climate change conference in Durban which commenced earlier this week. Governments, international organisations and civil society are all taking part. I presume the Minister is attending. How long does he intend to stay and what will be his level of participation in the conference? What does he hope to achieve? When he returns will we have an opportunity to discuss his participation and the outcomes?

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