Yet another damning report from the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, today that shows the Government is utterly failing to reduce emissions by the amount it committed to. For something that Taoiseach claims is an existential crisis, it is incredible how poorly his Government is at dealing with it. The EPA report makes clear that, at absolute best, the Government is on track to make 50% of the emissions reductions to which it has committed. That could cost us hugely. It is estimated that it could cost us up to €28 billion in European fines. I know the Taoiseach firmly does not believe that Europe is going to fine us that amount of money. In the absence of any information from Europe or any evidence to support his claim, however, that is a really high-risk strategy he is taking. In actual fact, he is playing chicken with the EU and that could cost us dearly environmentally, socially and other in other ways.

The Taoiseach to respond.

I outlined earlier in my comments to Deputy Bacik that the Government and Irish society have made significant progress. The target of 51% is very challenging, but we have made a hell of a lot of progress in onshore wind, which has been quite dramatic. In April, the third month in a row, onshore wind represented 50% of electricity generation here. Solar is really moving at pace now and, from all we can see, will continue to do so. It went from zero to replace coal as the third highest source of indigenous generation in less than a decade. I could go on. I mentioned the 1 million extra homes. It is important that we are all honest. Every day in the House - I am not referring to Deputy Whitmore because she is committed and consistent-----

It is the EPA saying this, not me.

Let us understand and acknowledge the challenges. Wind farms are objected to and are a source of huge issues across the length and breadth of the country. Solar farms are now becoming a significant issue that people are not happy with.

Thank you Taoiseach. Time is up.

People are against gas generation stations as well-----

I ask all Members to respect each other's time. Time is up Taoiseach.

-----and the bottom line is we cannot switch on lights if we do not have more and more renewables. The consensus is not out there in relation to that in society more generally.