Niall Ó Brolcháin (Green Party)

I welcome the Minister of State. While I have not prepared a lengthy speech, this subject is dear to my heart and if Members will pardon the pun, I will speak off the cuff on it. I wish to raise a few matters relating to climate change because it has become a subject about which it is perceived that ordinary people cannot do much. Climate change is perceived to be something that does not affect people at a local level, that has different phraseologies attached to it and that almost has a language of its own in which people talk about Copenhagen summits, the Kyoto Protocol and so on. However, I believe that climate change must be brought down to a local level because while there are major question marks over climate change as to what exactly is causing what and what affects what, there is no question but that considerable climate change is happening in Ireland. Meteorologists clearly can demonstrate that there have been great changes in our climate and, consequently, it is not a debate as to whether climate change is happening but on what is its cause.

I often hear reference to the time of Galileo, when many people considered the Earth to be flat. I wonder whether we are in a similar time at present, given that certain people are trying to deny that climate change exists when one can see how the seasons are changing or the manner in which flowers and plants are coming out earlier or later than had been the case heretofore. It is clear the climate is changing and the real question is what is causing it. There appears to be an enormous body of evidence demonstrating that while in many cases climate change is caused by natural phenomena, it is sometimes tipped over the edge by human activity. There are many aspects to human activity and in Ireland, methane emissions from cattle are a major factor. Obviously carbon emissions are produced each time someone drives a car. Carbon emissions arise from many different sources and there are many different types of greenhouse gases. Although this area is quite complex in some ways, it is also quite simple in others, as the question is how does it affect one personally or one's children or the man on the street.

I hear repeatedly that people in Ireland cannot really do anything about climate change because there are so many people in China and India that anything we might do would be irrelevant and would not matter because we are a mere drop in the ocean. However, it does matter and one should consider what Frank Aiken did regarding nuclear non-proliferation. Ireland is a country that, if it stands up to be counted, can show the way forward to other countries. It can show that things can be done, it can innovate and can be the leader in many areas. Members should consider the recent introduction of a smoking ban and a plastic bag tax. In both cases, Ireland was a leader and many countries have followed suit. Ireland can make a difference. If we can get things right we can show the way to others and this is the reason it is so important because this is a global problem.

People tell me that the Green Party is useless at present because it is propping up the Government, presiding over an appalling economic situation and so on. However, the Green Party has always had a very long-term view on matters. It is a highly relevant party both in Ireland and in pretty much every country in Europe. It has a very important message, which is that the environment is absolutely crucial to our well-being. I was delighted to hear Senator O'Reilly refer to various wildlife, several species of bird and so on because when I was growing up as a young lad, such subjects were never discussed in the Houses of the Oireachtas. When I first raised such matters at city council level, people laughed at me and thought it was quite amusing. I finished my term on the council recently but by that time, people had ceased to laugh and were making the very speeches that I had made at the outset, which I believe constitutes great progress.

However, there are many aspects to climate change and I have in my possession a little cartoon which shows a world summit on climate change taking place. One character turns to another and declares it all to be a big hoax, to which the other character responds by asking whether that meant they were going to make the world a better place for nothing. Many issues relating to climate change pertain to good practice in how we live our lives and have huge benefits in other areas because cutting down on carbon emissions will make the world healthier. For example, it means that people will not suffer from asthma to the same extent. What is wrong with cutting down on pollution? Why not do so as it is such an obvious thing to do?

Members also should consider other relevant matters. For example, there is an issue in respect of energy security and peak oil. It is known that oil is running out and the only question is when. In common with many other Members, I have lived through an oil crisis and it is known that the supply of fossil fuels will run out some day, although it is not known exactly when. Many people advocate the nuclear option but it also has a limited, albeit unknown, lifespan which, depending on the person to whom one speaks, is estimated to be between 30 and 60 years.

However, I wish to note some recent very good news in Ireland. I believe there were three occasions on which more than 50% of Ireland's energy needs were met by renewable energy sources. I acknowledge this does not happen all the time and believe the average figure at present is approximately 15% or 16%. However, this proportion is climbing all the time and by 2020 or probably earlier, on some days - I emphasise some days - I believe that more than 100% of our energy needs could be met from renewable energy sources. Ireland uses approximately 5 GW to 6 GW of electricity at present and I understand that planning for approximately another 15 GW is under way. Consequently, on those days when conditions are absolutely perfect, there will be great oversupply of wind energy. Although this will not be very often it will happen and this is the reason for building interconnectors and linking into the European grid.

Great progress has been made by the Government in recent years and I hope progress will continue as strongly in the future. Moreover, Ireland's carbon emissions are falling and although some people ascribe this to the recession, Government policy is also contributing to this fall. It is absolutely crucial that this proposed climate change Bill be passed. Ireland has huge budgetary problems at present but climate change has not gone away and will not go away. It is a problem that will continue to face us into the future. Many people of my acquaintance who are experts in this regard are extremely fearful of climate change. The difference between losing a bit of money from one's pocket and losing vast tracts of our cities or vast numbers of the planet's population is considerable. Personally, I consider climate change to be a much more serious problem. Some people who speak about climate change even suggest that it poses such a danger that it could wipe out the human race. I do not know whether that is the case and do not believe that anyone does. However, this threat must be taken seriously and cannot simply be put to one side because the country is in a financially difficult position. On the contrary, this is an opportunity to get our house in order and to do things differently. I am heartened by Fine Gael policy, such as the NewEra document. I note Fianna Fáil policy has also moved considerably and I am heartened by that as well. Nevertheless, the Green Party has made an enormous contribution in this area and will continue to so do long into the future. Climate change is more important than the economic crisis that we face at present but it is perceived to be a longer-term issue. However, if one considers what is called the green new deal, the good news is that both issues can be solved together. The United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, has stated that the issues of climate change and economic downturn can be solved together. Developing the green economy and doing things in a more sustainable fashion seem to be how many parties see the way forward. However, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Cuffe, for the huge amount of work he has put into this for many years. It will be a huge lost opportunity if the climate change Bill is not brought before the House as soon as possible.

The joint committee has done fantastic work. I have attended a number of meetings and know that members from all parties have made positive contributions. This House has had several debates on the need for consensus; the Green Party has pushed the idea that consensus is vital in this area. That is, largely, what we have.

I commend schemes such as the green flag school scheme which brings the issue to the lowest level and asks schoolchildren what they can do to alleviate matters and live a better life. The scheme is administered by An Taisce. In Galway city, for example, every school has a green flag. This brings a magnificent benefit to the education of young people. Whatever else is cut in a forthcoming budget, this scheme should not be cut; it needs to be protected, as such a small amount of money brings a great benefit.

I welcome the report and support the motion.