Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know, but, as I have already said, were there to be a change to the carbon tax, there would be effects elsewhere, particularly within our society, of which I am mindful and to which there would be an expectation of a response. That answer still stands. As for changes in general social welfare rates, the Deputy will understand, as someone who was involved in the process herself, that we have not made decisions on that yet.

We have a significant amount of work to do before we reach that point. Members of the Labour Party are as aware as anyone of the challenge in regard to climate change, the scale of which is commonly acknowledged. The Climate Change Advisory Council has strongly recommended a move on carbon taxation. If Deputy Burton believes the carbon tax policy should stay as it is, that is understandable. If it is to be changed, however, I know what the effects would be elsewhere and that I would be expected to respond to them.