Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

On this year's budget, a €3 billion climate fund was established. When I initially heard of that, I thought it was a very positive step. However, I was disappointed to learn it would not kick in until 2026. I do not know whether the witnesses can speak to the rationale for that decision. My understanding is that, when some people raised the question of why it was not to begin until 2026, they were told that a €2 billion budget was set aside in the summer economic statement and that his would cover nature restoration. When I looked at that economic statement, I saw that what it said was that €2.25 billion from windfall receipts would be set aside from 2024 to 2026 for the delivery of critical infrastructure. From this money, there was to be a contribution to the existing climate action fund for nature restoration and other Government priorities. How much of that €2.25 billion will be set aside for the climate action fund and particularly for nature restoration?