Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Bill and thank the Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly, and the environment committee for the work they have done on it. Although I am a member of the environment committee, I was not a member of it when it compiled its report. I give credit to Deputy Michael McCarthy and the members who worked so diligently on it.

This is the most urgent and important issue facing not just this country but the world. As the previous speaker stated, we face huge climate risks in the world between rising temperature, the danger of flooding, and ocean and atmosphere issues. Worst of all is the danger of not being able to halt the onset of climate change. This is the most important debate we will have in this Chamber during this Dáil. At the same time, the issue is very difficult because it presents us with huge challenges. It is very hard for us to change our ways and we resent having to change them. However, if we do not, our situation will become unlivable for many people. It will often be the most vulnerable people who will be in that situation.

I wish to address some matters in the Bill. I welcome the idea of having a national mitigation plan, but I ask the Minister, if possible, to shorten the timespan for the introduction of the plan.

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