Professor Brian Ó Gallachóir:

I thank the Chair and wish to add to Dr. Tormey's contribution. In volume 2 we explored the question of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and looked at the legislation and policy changes that have been achieved. It is quite remarkable when we trace what has happened in Ireland regarding the discussions of climate change at a political level from ten years ago to more recently. One of the things we refer to in volume 2 is the passing of the legislation in 2021 and the agreement in the Oireachtas on carbon budgets and sectoral emission ceilings without the need for a vote. It shows a strong level of party political consensus at that higher level.

It does not diminish the challenges of implementing individual policies at a more local level. It does indicate a highly promising level of party political support for climate action. Tracing this change over a number of years has been significant. Look at the level of polarisation around climate policy which can happen elsewhere such as, for example, in the US. It is a very promising position but it does not take away from the fact we need more policies and measures and the challenge is to deliver on those.