Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are major discussions on that at the moment, and the implications for various sectors. We are now discussing a COM which is for the next five years, while the Government has yet to finalise the carbon budget. I am very uncomfortable signing up for COMs ahead of it. Without in any way appearing to interfere or determine rates - although you say they are generally the same - 51% and 55% are two different figures. I looked at the other committee. Some of our members would be dual members. Much of what they said refers to the lack of detailed provision in terms of being able to make qualitative decisions. I have to agree. Because the carbon budgets are approaching, I would hate a situation where we would put forward something that may not be in compliance with something the Government is introducing. If we can deal with it competently at a national level, and we are now implementing it on climate change, with the lack of detail we have here, there is a danger we could find ourselves in a situation where any level of flexibility is taken away in areas. Generally many of the measures are fine. The climate action plan which would be the carbon budgets, am I correct in saying they are one and the same?