Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I have two further questions. The Oireachtas committee agreed a broad consensus, with some exceptions, that we should increase the price of carbon to €80 a tonne by 2030, which would mean a €10 increase in 2020 and an increase of €5 per annum thereafter. It is reported in the newspapers today that Fianna Fáil believes that the increase in the first year should be lower and it is also reported that the Government agrees with Fianna Fáil that we would not increase it, as the Oireachtas committee recommended. I would be keen to know if the Minister has any view on that.

We held an event in the audio-visual room during the summer where we brought in the best expertise to look at how one would use that money and it confirmed in my mind the view that giving back the money as a cash back dividend is progressive and hugely beneficial. In social progressivity, it really benefits those on lower incomes. It has the desired effect of lowering emissions, it gives a clear signal and politically it is beneficial insofar as we do not have to decide between one sector or the other as to where we would allocate the revenues that would be raised. It would take the issue out of this annual debate, where in this case Fianna Fáil is saying that although it agreed the position a few months ago it is now scaling back because there is understandable political heat around it. The cash back approach is the best way in my mind to introduce this and give certainty and gain political acceptance. I would be interested to learn whether the Minister is still considering that option and will still consider it. Has he agreed with the Oireachtas committee's graduated approach or has that changed now?