Feargal Quinn (Independent)

That is a challenge that surely can be solved. From a commercial point of view, it would make more sense to have trucks full on both journeys. This may necessitate a different use of trucks and I am not sure how this would happen.

I am delighted to note the move by Europe to energy-efficient lightbulbs, which was mentioned by the Minister. I commented on this when I heard it had occurred in Australia a month or two ago. This is achievable although, as the Minister said, it is an investment that will incur costs. The EU and Government can make this a reality and we will benefit on that basis.

I was reminded of another issue at approximately 6.30 a.m. this morning. I could not believe it was bright at that time. Why do we not move to central European time for the whole year and gain the benefit at this hour of the night. We could have another hour of daylight if we did so.

We can take steps in the right direction. I have a daughter who is anxious to use biofuels but is afraid that if she uses them in her car she will be unable to buy them in service stations. Where can they be bought in Dublin? I gather it is nearly impossible to do so, although I understand CIE and in particular Bus Éireann have the benefit of such biofuels. They are certainly not advertised as being available, and somebody told me one would have to go to the Minister's constituency to get biofuels in a service station.

The targets set by Europe include having renewable energies providing 20% of the supply and improving energy efficiency by 20%. From what I understand, if we can convince the rest of the world to join in we could have up to 30% savings. The United States, India and China have not joined in. We must convince them, as the moral power of Europe may be able to do something, although it may be wishful thinking.

I understand the plans, targets, objectives and ambitions, but I do not understand how they will be implemented. We can take both small and big steps. As the Minister stated, we have achieved significantly. I remember some years ago a Swiss man in my home who could not believe we were burning coal that was not smokeless. He told me they had not burned that type of coal for years in Switzerland. Deputy Harney as a Minister of State grabbed hold of that target, Deputy Martin as Minister for Health and Children grabbed hold of the target on the smoking ban and Deputy Noel Dempsey as Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government grabbed hold of target on the levy on plastic bags, although the Minister before us was also involved.

We have seen the light. When we believe we can achieve something, we can do it. What we need is for the Minister to state that this is something that can be done. I met a Japanese businessman some years ago who spoke of how he had achieved so much. I asked him what helped him in his achievements and he gave me a lovely quote. He was in his 70s, which is quite young nowadays and I believe he was a tennis player. He told me when he went to play a game of tennis, if he thought he had no chance of winning he would be right. If he went in thinking he had a chance of beating the other fellow, he knew he could do it. His quote was "Whether you believe you can or whether you believe you cannot, you are right."

I believe we can do this and set our hearts to it. I touched on three or four minor actions that we can take. I know the Minister's heart is in the right place and that the strategy and plans exist. However, I have not seen any implementation. I urge the Minister to convince the people of Ireland that he has the ability to do this because he wants to do it. If that is so, he will achieve his target.