Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

What the Minister said in conclusion is highly relevant. I would be practical in terms of my approach to environmental matters. We cannot save the world on our own. We cannot turn back the effects of climate change on our own. However, we can make a difference and we can fulfil the responsibilities that fall to us. What disappoints me about what the Minister is saying is his refusal to give us some sort of a commitment, or even to express the desire, that this is a treaty he would like to see the Irish Government sign up to in the future, when resources allow.

More than 40 other governments have acceded to this treaty system, irrespective of the administrative burdens. It is clear from the replies to the parliamentary questions I have tabled that no cost benefit analysis has been carried out by any Department. That is tragic. It underlines a lack of commitment in the area of climate change, which is highly regrettable.

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