Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

We all remember the 1970s and 1980s when one could not walk down the street in Dublin without choking on smoke and fumes. The introduction of smokeless fuel was a simple measure but has proven highly successful. Over the years, successive Governments have made huge strides in fulfilling their commitments. I see it in my own area, especially in housing for senior citizens. A particularly active group in Dublin city, Energy Action, visits senior citizens, whether widows or widowers living on their own or elderly couples and assists them in insulating their houses in simple ways such as sealing their windows, doors and attics. It is a Government subsidised initiative and very effective.

Nobody has mentioned education in the past hour of debate but this Government and previous ones have expended huge resources on educational and promotional programmes, especially in schools, where the green flag programme has been hugely successful. I know from my own children that young people's awareness of the environment and energy commitments are different from that of previous generations.

Ten or 15 years ago we could not talk about these issues because of the economy. Now, because of prudent Government, our economy is in a position whereby we can afford to do so. A large percentage of homes now have solar panels and different forms of energy generation are encouraged, which are highly subsidised by the Government and enjoy a huge take-up, with 8,000 participants since the last programme. People's awareness of the environment, the ozone layer and greenhouse gases is enhanced by constant coverage in the media. Awareness is crucial both within and without the industry. The majority of developers, builders and employers in the construction industry are very sensitive to energy and environmental issues.

Dublin City Council is another example of a local authority taking responsibility by consulting developers and builders on what materials they use and how they are used, and then attaching conditions to planning permissions that are granted. I congratulate Fingal, as does the motion, because it has made an excellent effort, which is owing to a couple of conscientious officials who are concerned about the environment. Local authorities have a huge role to play, particularly given some of their stock, especially in the inner cities, which was state of the art when it was built in the 1950s and 1960s but which is now energy inefficient and costs more to run than is economically justifiable. Significant resources are being put into this area. For example, the simple matter of replacing windows in flat complexes in recent years was a major undertaking. This saves energy not just because it keeps heat in the flat but because it prevents emissions from leaking out. Some of the promotional programmes such as "reduce, reuse and recycle" have become part of people's psyche. The introduction of brown bins is another example.

The sooner we debate incineration from the point of view of energy and emissions, the better. We have made great strides. Who would have thought ten years ago that every house in Dublin would have a black and a green bin for segregated waste? These issues have been tackled through education, promotion and sound policies. There is much more to do but if we continue to pursue present policies, we will fulfil our commitment to meeting our targets at the EU and wider international levels.

In my experience of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government there are committed officials and other individuals throughout various Departments who are aware of the environment and how to protect it. We have more to do but every country is in the same position and we have made great strides. I support the amendment to the motion and congratulate the Department on its work to date.