Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 9: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will redraft climate change plans and strategies within his Department in view of public transport cutbacks and their knock-on effect on greenhouse gas emissions here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3878/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I refer to the reply to Question No. 1 on today's Order Paper, in which I outlined the range of work under way across all sectors towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the review being undertaken to ensure that emission projections reflect the changing economic circumstances.

The National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 sets out the measures on foot of which Ireland will meet its target for the purposes of the Kyoto Protocol. Compliance will be determined on the basis of greenhouse gas emissions over the period. The strategy places a significant emphasis on transport in recognition of the proportion of total emissions attributed to the transport sector. A modal shift to public transport was signalled in the strategy as a key measure in achieving reductions in transport emissions.

Greenhouse gas emissions from transport present one of the greatest challenges for many countries, including Ireland. We need to take radical action to turn that situation around and we need to do it quickly. Earlier today, the Minister for Transport published the new strategy entitled Smarter Travel — A Sustainable Transport Future. I welcome the publication of this Government action plan to free our towns and cities from choking traffic congestion, slash CO2 emissions and help car-based commuters to leave their cars at home. The plan represents a radical transformation in transport policy that puts people, rather than vehicles, first and has the potential to fundamentally change how we all travel. It will lead to a more sustainable transport system that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a better quality of life for all.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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What will the Minister do to ensure the cutbacks in Dublin Bus do not take place, as they would have a major effect on climate change?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That is more than a little broadening of the question.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Minister mentioned it.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I did not mention it in my reply.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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It is a good question.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Minister does not have direct responsibility for Dublin Bus.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Does the Minister have an answer?

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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If you want me to answer it, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Minister is answering questions on the area of his own responsibility. Transport questions are more appropriately addressed to the Minister for Transport. The Minister may make a comment if he wishes.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I could understand why he does not want to answer. It is an embarrassment.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I would be happy to reply. The Deputies opposite know that transport continues to be the dominant growth sector. Emissions in that sector were approximately 4.7% higher in 2007 than in 2006. If we are going to achieve a reduction we need a radical transformation of our public transport system.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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What is the Government doing? It is cutting public transport.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Fine Gael has a very different view from that of the Labour Party on public transport.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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What is the Minister's view?

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Fine Gael wants to build more roads and privatise.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Minister is not stopping the roads.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Deputy asked the Minister for a response.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Dublin Bus requires radical reform to meet the needs of bus users. The company made a profit of approximately €4.7 million in 2007, but it lost €10 million last year and is forecast to lose €31 million this year unless action is taken. I am sure Deputies will recall that unfortunately, there have been archaic work practices in that organisation. Even the slightest change is resisted. Over many years we had disputes over the opening of the middle door. We have tried to get integrated ticketing and real-time information so that people waiting at bus stops know when the bus will arrive. Unfortunately that has failed. We need to change radically the way Dublin Bus operates and that is what we will achieve.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Even though that was not the Minister's area of responsibility, he had a well-prepared reply on it.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I am now being accused of being well prepared.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Minister was clearly expecting that question.