Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have no doubt that Ireland will very much play its part in tackling climate change. It must be acknowledged that this is historic legislation, as this is the first ever Bill to deal with climate change. I am glad I am part of a Government that has delivered on its commitment to introduced such legislation. I am sure all sectors in the State will rise to the challenge and the national mitigation plan will be the vehicle for the delivery of progress in this area, utilising innovation, alternative energy, new technologies and new work practices. It is only by deeply engaging with the sectors and the stakeholders that we will achieve sustainable progress through this plan, about which I am confident.

The proposed amendments provide for the Minister to lay a range of reports in respect of domestic mitigation targets before the Houses of the Oireachtas. As I outlined in the debate, we do not accept the validity of establishing domestic mitigation targets, which are divorced from EU processes. It is on that basis I cannot support the amendments.

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