Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister knows from his involvement with the Association of European Parliamentarians with Africa, AWEPA, the effect of policies and practices from the developed world on the developing world, its people and their livelihoods, that is, that those least responsible for the effects of climate change are paying the most. I was reading the speech the Minister gave last month on putting the "eco" into the economy. He noted the connection between the two words "ecology" and "economy" and their derivation from the Greek word for "household". He made the point that the EU cannot lead or deliver without the full participation of all the member states, so we need to use less energy and we need to use the energy we are using more efficiently. I know progress is being made but it is disappointing to read that we are one of four member states of Europe not expected to make the 2020 targets. The target is hardly excessive and we know that failure to reach it would be very costly. The Minister has said it will be challenging but does he accept that it can be realised? I again make the plea that offshore renewable energy remain in Irish hands and Irish control.

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