Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Minister. Being environmentally minded is in some people's DNA and they are already making modal shifts in their lives but for others, it will not be until it changes what is in their pockets - pounds, shillings and pence. The cost of living has been a national debate this week. As many people will make the modal shift when it makes sense economically, in that regard, there needs to be a bit of carrot and stick - more carrot than stick, of course. Things like reducing VAT and making the train to Dublin much cheaper than going in the car will eventually get families and individuals off the armchair and on to the bike rather than taking the diesel or petrol engine car. I think pounds, shillings and pence still matter to a lot of people. I hope the Minister can lead that within Cabinet.