Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Members are probably aware that a UN conference on climate is taking place in Doha. One of the comments of the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, was that climate change poses a threat to the survival of mankind. I note that 230 people are presumed dead this week in the Philippines. While we are currently involved with the budget, I ask the Leader to arrange a debate early in the new year on the measures being taken by Ireland to address climate change. I am familiar with the foresight programme which is being developed by Teagasc. This is a measure to prepare the agriculture sector for what faces us. We need to be well briefed and well informed about this issue. Climate change is not just about buying salt for icy driveways or clamps for walking on icy footpaths or sexy wellingtons; there is much more at stake. I travelled through the south east of England recently where a proportion of agricultural land has been flooded. Climate change is a serious issue which we should debate in the new year.