Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to speak briefly on the motion and I commend Deputy Bríd Smith for initiating it. Two weeks ago we had a Private Members' debate on a motion on the national children's hospital and the Minister of State was left in the House, on his own, late at night, to defend the Government. Is that what the Government is using him for? Where is the line Minister this evening? The Government is not giving Private Members' motions the respect they deserve. That said, I mean no disrespect to the Minister of State.

The issue of climate change is unavoidable, whether we are discussing agricultural policy, methane emissions or the use of land for forestry. We simply cannot get away from this debate. Climate change is one of those issues that deeply divides opinion, not only in terms of its causes but also in terms of proposed solutions. Indeed, even among the small group of rural Independents, we are divided. While I agree that we must certainly work to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and increase our use of sustainable and effective renewable energy, I do not agree that we should impose an outright ban on fossil fuels, which is what the Bill seeks to do. It seeks to stop the issuing of State licences for further fossil fuel exploration in this country. What we need to do is establish a sustainable environmental agenda which can meet the needs of those in the present without compromising the ability of future generations to also meet their needs. In that context, I welcome the young people in the Gallery tonight. While the Bill is well-meaning, it is far too restrictive and takes no account of issues such as energy security. We must increase our efforts to achieve a balance between fossil fuels and renewables instead of absolutely prohibiting fossil fuel exploration, if that is what is required.

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