Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The projects are really welcome but one thing we will want to see when we hear of the projects is whether the projects are being measured in terms of the tonnage and the tonnage reduction and whether that is being placed alongside it. It is not solely about what we might do that is good; it is also what we might need to reduce that is damaging. Surely if we are going to stay within our budget for 2025 some of the emergency measures that may be needed are reductions or suspensions in certain activities. The data centres issue was mentioned and the Minister referred to not breaking contracts. It seems strange, therefore, that throughout the first two years of our budget period, new contracts have been signed that commit us to data centres, many of which have gas backup generators as well.

We must also consider constraints on demolition. The Minister mentioned the economy expanding but the fact that we have a healthy economy should not be an excuse for inaction on our part or for making our climate targets difficult. In fact, many countries around the world with far less healthy economies and facing much more difficult external challenges and circumstances, are also trying to achieve their carbon targets. For Ireland that is certainly not an excuse and I am presuming that this is understood. Perhaps the Minister will explain what it looks like in terms of emergency measures.

The Minister referred to the Oireachtas. The Minister has the agreement of the Oireachtas to the carbon budgets. They are legally binding targets. We do not need to have that argument again and again. We need to know what measures will be put in place in order that we are legally compliant.