Feargal Quinn (Independent)

While the Garda Síochána is getting the benefit of the praise for resolving the situation in St. Patrick's Cathedral last week, controversy remains regarding the Garda reserve. I understand the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will shortly attend the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights with proposals on how he hopes to resolve the controversy. Without diminishing in any way that the principle of the Garda reserve seems attractive, we need a solution to allow the Garda to be enthusiastic about it. In business, if one plans to introduce a new service or product, one does so on a trial basis. I understand there are 24 Garda divisions and six Garda regions. It seems logical that if the Garda reserve is to be tested, it would be tested in one of those for a period of time to see if it works. The Minister might consider that.

We had a very good debate last week on energy. The Leader might consider a debate on our failure once again to reach the 13% greenhouse gas emissions targets of the Kyoto Agreement. It was interesting to see figures published in Britain yesterday to show how each town is achieving its targets on a per household basis. Some are double the rate of others in their carbon dioxide emissions. This is in the hands of the individuals who live in those towns, and shows the success that is possible. This would be a useful debate. It is a question of personal responsibility, a little like tidy towns competitions. There is a little bit of shame involved and a little bit of honour if one achieves what one sets out to achieve. It would be useful for us to consider the example in Britain.