Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I was going to share some time with Senator Buttimer. I congratulate the Minister on his appointment as I have not had the opportunity to do so before. I know what a committed and genuine politician he is. I do not agree with his choice of coalition partner and I echo the comments of my colleague on this side about the job he will have to do to get support on his side of the House.

Senators Boyle and de Búrca should avoid stereotyping the Opposition the way they have tonight because the Green Party has suffered enough from stereotyping over the years. The fact there is all-party support for the Bill should have been acknowledged by them as opposed to the line they took. We accept we are at a turning point in regard to decisions on climate change and the environment. Difficult decisions will have to be taken on all sides of the House. One can see from our election manifesto that the Fine Gael party will be very supportive in respect of the key decisions which will have to be taken in this area. A turning point has been reached by society in terms of putting the environment at the centre.

The Minister mentioned Petra Kelly and that certainly brought back memories for me of the time she addressed an audience in Dublin many years ago and of how inspirational she was. It has taken a long time for her vision to become centre stage. I would like to give time to my colleague, Senator Buttimer, to make some comments and I congratulate Senator Bacik on introducing this Bill.