Martin Brady (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the issue of climate change. "Climate change is not for me; it is for somebody else to look after" seems to be the attitude of some. Pollution is a key issue and a widespread problem in this country. It is caused particularly by dumping on land and at sea, and by other activities such as slurry spreading. Dumping at sea is an issue at Dollymount Strand in my area. Any evening one goes to the strand, there will be heaps of empty cartons and bottles washed up - Senator Quinn probably also observe this. This material does not appear by accident and there is no doubt it is dumped from ships. These issues must be tackled.

The dumping of domestic waste along roadways is another issue. Fines should be at least €1,000 for anyone caught dumping because the current fines of approximately €150 are too low.

Senator O'Reilly addressed the issue of pollution. I do quite a lot of fishing in Cavan and Monaghan. As I have just said to Senator Ó Brolcháin, one rarely sees water hens, wild geese or ducks and the heron has disappeared completely. I have reached the conclusion that pollution is one of the main causes of this. It is a very important point. As Senator Quinn said, mankind can destroy the ground it walks on as well as its environment. Debate adjourned.