Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On the same issue, I am not satisfied to simply have statements on this matter because Members come in, make a statement and that is that. This is an important issue. Deputy Micheál Martin referred to the extent of deforestation. Some 8,000 sq. km of rainforest were destroyed last year alone. That is an area the size of County Cork. These are fundamental issues if we are serious about climate change. I would like the Government to issue a motion on which the House can reach a determination, rather than Members coming in to make statements. In particular, the allocation of seven minutes to the larger parties to be divided between two or three Members is not the way to deal with an issue as important as this. I realise that time is very limited this week, but the Government should present a motion to the House next week and ask for the views of the House on it.

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