Feargal Quinn (Independent)

There are many urgent items on the agenda that attract our attention, or which may distract us from other matters. However, figures published yesterday showed that one third of all babies born in Ireland this year are likely to live to be 100, that is, until 2112. It seems to me that those of us who are here now have a responsibility to ensure that the earth is still around in 100 years' time, and is still a viable place where our children and grandchildren can live. It is said that we have the responsibility of minding the earth for the next generation and this is an opportunity to do so.

I am raising this matter because I have just come from a meeting to publicise Dublin as the city of science for six days from 11 July. The objective is to help people to recognise that Ireland is serious about science. Perhaps the Leader can find some time for a debate on science in the next few weeks. This is a big event that will bring five Nobel laureates here, along with other important scientists. I do not think we have ever had anything like this in Ireland before. In fact, I do not think that anything like this has been held in Europe in the past. It is a worthwhile investigation because the responsibility is on us to care for this earth. Let us ensure that this House is aware of the opportunities, possibilities and potential of being able to do something about it.