Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It is lovely to hear Mr. St. Ledger talk about the circular economy and how things could be done properly. There is little of that sort of joined-up thinking in Ireland.

We are here on foot of the recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly regarding how the State can make Ireland a leader in tackling climate change. It is a barometer of public opinion. In light of the repeal of the eighth amendment following the relevant recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly, its recommendations on climate change are very far-reaching and illustrate how distant is the Government from the will of the people.

All of our guests have been working in this area for many years. What is inhibiting Ireland? On many occasions, Mr. Coghlan has called Ireland the laggard in terms of climate change. What are the barriers? What is the resistance? The witnesses have indicated the measures we can take in terms of energy efficiency, renewables and a just transition, but why is that not being done? What is the problem? It is definitely a major problem that Ireland is seen as a serious laggard in the international context. The measures at which we are looking show that we are way behind. What is stopping us taking the necessary steps?