Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I noticed that there were a few comments on Article 4 of the Paris Agreement and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The witnesses suggested that we be consistent with the language used for the existing commitments. Perhaps they might mention what needs to be expanded in terms of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC, because of the narrow grouping.

As I am conscious of the time perhaps we could have a response to the following in writing. Deputy Bríd Smith made the point that the same language should not be used for everything and, therefore, it would be useful if the speakers could comment. Some of the phrases used are, "the Bill should be consistent with". Are there other phrases for some things that the Bill should be informed by? For some things the phrase "have regard to" might be the appropriate phrase. Another crucial phrase is "the Bill should not be in contradiction to". I would appreciate language suggestions for the idea that the national infrastructure "should not be in contradiction to". I ask the witnesses to suggest, in their written response, the language to use in the Bill and where. Perhaps section 3 should be divided into a couple of different sections with one dealing with the hard target piece and another with the interim 2030 targets, if they were to be included. Another section might deal with the sectoral targets or other areas. I think there needs to be a differentiation in the language. Also, which considerations belong where, which are about the setting of the targets or percentages and which might be around the sectoral plans.

The justiciability is important. The carryover of the amnesia clause comes back to the idea of sanctions and the idea of that 99% disappearing. I am concerned about the other thing the section whereby, automatically, where one achieved one's target that one would get extra to carry forward. That clause needs to use the word "may", as mentioned by the witnesses.

Lastly, I ask the witnesses to comment further on the sustainable development goals, SDGs, even in writing as it would be very useful. I am speaking in terms of how their indicators might be useful in making the Bill more robust.