Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

Let us not do so, but the reality is that we have already committed to increasing those standards by 40%. We are doing so not necessarily on foot of climate change but because it is the correct thing to do. The Senator is correct about the need to build in efficiencies, particularly in light of the rate at which houses are being built here.

We have taken specific measures in respect of climate change. For example, the afforestation grants will make a significant contribution. Forests are very efficient carbon sinks. The afforestation programme will remove the equivalent of 2.8 million tonnes of emissions. How will this be paid for? The State is providing grant assistance in respect of forestry and the payback will be that we will not be obliged to buy carbon credits or impose a further penalty on industry.