Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

Not in that regard. Its excuse for doing this is that it is using the Kyoto Protocol, which is a disappointment.

I thank the Members for their contributions to the debate. The Government is committed to meeting the Kyoto Protocol and doing so in a sustainable, and morally appropriate, transparent way that is fully consistent with the Kyoto Protocol. We will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 15.2 million tonnes each year which is a significant challenge. The point has been made several times during the debate that this does not depend on the Government alone but that every citizen must play his or her role.

I thank all those who contributed to the debate here and in the Dáil. Sadly, some have adopted what I regard as the rather eccentric view that we should support the Kyoto Protocol but reject one of its central tenets. That debate is in the past. The Bill under discussion is good and I am very grateful to both Houses for their assistance in the matter.