Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

As the world awaits a positive outcome from Copenhagen, I draw attention to a matter which is the specific responsibility of the Government. The figures from the Environmental Protection Agency published this week show a marginal fall in greenhouse gas emissions of the order of 0.3%. Despite the downturn in building and construction and in the commercial area there was a fall of only 4.4%. The fall in agriculture is almost 1%.

I ask the Leader to draw to the attention of the Government the fact that there is an increase of 8.7% in greenhouse gas emissions from the residential sector because of the cold weather and the use of solid fuels. Perhaps we could have a debate on this matter in the new year. It is vital that the insulation programme be well resourced and maintained and extended to social housing and, particularly, to housing for the elderly. It should become a national policy to insulate to the maximum degree and to incentivise even more than at present the insulation of houses. The only area in which there is an increase in greenhouse gas emissions is in the residential sector. If that area was corrected we could keep our greenhouse gas emissions within target. I know this is an issue to which the Leader will respond.

I formally support the issue raised by Senator Quinn and my colleague, Senator Wilson, in respect of the integrity and maintenance of the leaving certificate applied. Senator Wilson, in identifying our most distinguished international chef in west Cavan, has brought an important matter to the attention of the House.