Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is about the question I finished on. I would note that we have a recommendation from our committee on the carbon dioxide piece. I think it was recommendation 48 in the Bill originally that the calculation, production and revision of carbon budgets should not rely on anything beyond what is measurable in the timeframe of the budget.

I want to ask about sectoral targets or sectoral ranges. Is there concern? Should those ranges be revised so the sectoral ceiling or the amount that will add up to 51% is sitting in the mid-point of the ranges, rather than the current scenario whereby it is only if everything works out perfectly in every sector that we achieve the 51%? That is fundamental because, as we have heard, there are a lot of assumptions there around the development of future technology that might make removals easier in some sectors and around business incentives and how they might or might not work.

As well as modelling of potential positive inputs in areas like removals, has there been modelling of further shocks to the system, for example, if the Thwaites Glacier was to go within this timeframe? That is an advantage of having a range which gives some wriggle room for doing better. It also means that if the external scenario disimproves, there is scope for us to still be on track for 1.5°C.

Will the witnesses comment on the sectoral ranges and on whether they assessed future shocks in the period of the three budgets?