James Bannon (Fine Gael)

Alarm bells are ringing concerning climate change. We have one of the highest levels of greenhouse gas emissions per head of population in the world, exceeded only by the US and Luxembourg. Action must be taken urgently. Our planet is being destroyed. A debate is needed and I call on the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to address the House on this issue.

Next week, the EPA will produce a report that will damn the Government and our country because it will show that greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 25% since the 1990s. We should be the lead players in trying to establish a global treaty on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A small nation has a role to play. Given Ireland's size, a debate on the matter could lead to something significant.