Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I believe targets are critical to this legislation. I was disappointed they were not included. Instead sectoral plans were provided and we were told they would constitute our national ambition in this area. We held a meeting with some of the Departments to try and explore the sectoral plans in areas such as agriculture, energy and transport. Following the meeting I was confused as to how these areas dovetail.

It is critically important that the institutional arrangements we put in place are capable of making something more than a document that acts as guidance. In this regard I am interested in what Professor Kirby has said regarding institutional arrangements because it is something we can recommend can be inserted in the Bill to change what is included at present.

Professor Kirby said a low carbon society needs to be given equal weight with a low carbon economy. Perhaps he might elaborate on this. Conflicts arise in this area, even in terms of policy decisions that have been taken. The train has already left the station in that we will not meet our obligations up to 2020. This means that targets extending to 2030 or 2050 will be more difficult to achieve.

Is it possible to disconnect the economy from the targets, given that we probably need a financially more equal society if we are going to deliver on this? Is it suggested that the needs of the economy be ignored in this? For example, reference was made to vested interests. A key area is the national ambition to export agricultural produce, yet this is the area in which we are most challenged. How can this circle be squared, especially in terms of targets?

Reference was made to expertise in regard to the universities, social sciences, Government Departments and so on. I am concerned that the process appears to be internal. If there is to be public engagement and change in attitudes in terms of lifestyle, this process needs to be broader than it is at present. Would Professor Kirby have any suggestions regarding what might be included in the Bill in terms of framing something that would have a broad focus rather than a narrow, expert focus?