Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have been working closely with them since I became Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment at the end of July.

It does not only apply to Enniscorthy. Enniscorthy has been flagged because we have an air monitoring station there. In fact, we have a poor network for monitoring air quality in the country. That is part of the problem. This was one of the issues I discussed with the Environmental Protection Agency last week.

The fact is that one child in five in the country suffers from asthma. Anyone who has seen a child gasping for breath knows how serious this issue is. That is why I want to see it prioritised. One of the first speeches I gave as Minister was to an Energy Ireland conference. I made the point that for me the issue of clear air and air quality is crucial. Deputy Kelly is right to say the coal ban is a crucial part of this.

I am keen to demonstrate my commitment. The renewable heat incentive scheme discussion document was published some weeks ago. I have specifically included in the document provisions relating to dealing with issues of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. The provisions probably would not have been part of the document had the environment division not come to our Department. I am committed to seeing progress made.

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