Martin Brady (Fianna Fail)

I reiterate my point with regard to the insufficient level of attention being paid to pollution, especially that caused by dumping at sea, and the fact that pollution controls are not being properly enforced. It is important we should focus on this issue, especially in the context of the damage being done to wildlife.

Senator Quinn referred to wind and other forms of alternative energy. I do not believe there is sufficient interest in alternative energies because some people are of the view, for example, that it is much too expensive to erect wind turbines, etc. That is an aspect of the matter to which consideration must be given.

Another issue which arises is transport. Government agencies and Departments, for example, the ESB and other semi-State companies and the Department of Defence, etc., should take the lead in this area by ensuring they use electric buses and trucks and vehicles powered by natural gas. There is no reason this could not happen.

Senator O'Reilly referred to rail transport and cited the possible establishment of a link from Dublin to Navan and on to Kingscourt. The latter would remove a major amount of traffic from the roads in the area and pollution levels would be reduced as a result. The Senator also referred to wind energy and the possibility of using old water mills to generate power. A great many resources of this type throughout the country remain unharnessed. The possibility of harnessing these resources has not been investigated to a sufficient degree. I am of the view they could be so harnessed and with very little trouble. Senator O'Reilly informed me that on one occasion he and a colleague carried out a count of the number of mills in County Cavan and that this had proven to be a very useful exercise. These mills also add something to communities, especially from the point of view of heritage. Some of them are beautiful old buildings and a couple are located in the area from which I come. It is terrible they have been allowed to fall into such a state of dilapidation. Some use could be made of them, even if only from the point of view of encouraging tourism.

Pollution, particularly that caused by those who spread slurry in an irresponsible manner, can also have a major effect on tourism. I have no wish to mention particular areas in this regard. As stated earlier, however, I like to fish and I visit a particular lake to do so. The stench in the vicinity of the lake to which I refer is affecting businesses, bed and breakfast establishments, etc. The fines relating to pollution are too low. We must put in place a deterrent which will make people think twice before they pollute, dump rubbish on beaches, etc. For reckless slurry spreading and so forth, the minimum fine should be €10,000. For other offences, the fines that apply should be pitched at approximately €1,000. We must take the route I am advocating and if we do not do so, we will just be wasting our time.

People must realise the seriousness of climate change and should not adopt an attitude to the effect that it is a problem with which someone else must deal. I recall meeting the President of the Czech Republic who informed me that climate change was a load of rubbish and that people's rights were being infringed upon. He further stated that people should be at liberty to do whatever they desired. It is not about infringing on people's rights; it is about educating them in order that they will recognise that climate change must be tackled. If we do not take action in respect of climate change, destruction will be wrought on both humankind and the planet.