Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not agree with the Deputy in any way in regard to his last assertion. More has been done in the past year and a half in developing our green economy potential than happened under my predecessors. We have now set out a road map as to how jobs can be created in the green economy and how we can reduce the costs of business in terms of energy efficiency. There was a €4 million investment by 24 companies in recent times which received a return of €3.5 million during the course of a year in energy efficiency savings and water conservation savings made. Those are examples of pilot schemes we have been carrying out around the country and are a clear indication that people want to engage in both the green economy and the energy efficiency agenda. Each Minister must draw up a sectoral plan in regard to how they can meet our climate change objectives and targets by the end of this year and I am sure that will spark off new initiatives they will have to take in order to meet those objectives.

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