Joe O'Toole (Independent)

There are an enormous number of elements involved and certain actions need to be taken. I compliment the Green Party on much of what it has done in government. Like Senator Coffey, I will give credit where it is due. However, certain matters need to be faced. We need to move forward. The Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security is frustrated because the Government is not moving on some of the issues I have raised and many more. All of the work of the committee has been superbly done, presented and is available to the Government. None of it undermines Government policy. Senator Coffey may correct me, but I do not believe any of it has even been critical. We have been critical of delays, but that is as far as the committee has gone. That criticism has been made as much by Government members as by others.

As to how the House should deal with this business, we must look at the issues of water quality and local government which are linked with the environment. Senator Coffey mentioned the issue of waste and pools that have not been dealt with in his area beside the River Clodagh. That is a real issue for local people. We must look at such matters. The Government should be pushed. As such, I will support the motion which the Labour Party has tabled in very simple terms: "That Seanad Éireann calls on the Government to institute sufficient measures to ensure that the Irish environment is adequately protected and enhanced, particularly in relation to ... climate change legislation ...". I thought the early enactment of climate change legislation was Government policy. Listening to the Minister, I thought "the quality of our rivers and our water supply, the maintenance and improvement of our public beaches and remedial measures to address hazardous waste sites, including at Haulbowline", were also part of Government policy. Which aspect of the motion causes a problem for the Government? I have listened to the entire debate-----