Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am sorry to say I am not as enthused. It is very disappointing that the Government ruled out of order amendments that were deemed to involve a potential charge on the Exchequer. By refusing to commit to ambitious greenhouse gas emission targets, the Government is incurring a cost to the Exchequer and a global, human cost that will become worse. Those who live on or near the Equator are already faced with daily life or death circumstances as a result of climate change and this Government's lack of action makes Ireland complicit. However, the insular and short-sighted thinking that dominates Irish politics has very little room for this reality, nor does it see the lives of people - in Ireland or abroad - as having any real value. The Minister might think my analysis is harsh. The Bill has been described as the worst climate change Bill that has seen the light of day in Europe. So much was expected of it, while the Government has given so little. Although I realise the Bill will pass, under no circumstances would I put my name to it. The Bill is a massive disappointment.

See this speech in context