Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all of the Deputies for their contributions this afternoon to this very important debate on climate change. There were a large number of contributions, some of which were very worthwhile, from Deputies on all sides of the House. A large number of localised issues were raised in the debate as well as ideas that we and the Government can enact and which will result in improvements in the whole area of climate change.

We have all seen the increased prioritisation given across the globe to tackling the challenges created by the effects of climate change. Happily, on this issue at least, this determination has been echoed in the life of our Government. From Ireland’s ambitious commitments to reduce our own emissions to the first ever climate legislation this country has ever seen and, of course, to the role played by the Government and the Irish delegation in the drafting of the Paris agreement last December, we can certainly hold our heads up high as we look back on what we all have achieved.

As we know, the Paris agreement on climate change represents an historic milestone. It is built on a series of binding nationally developed commitments by global leaders and an undertaking to increase their ambition and scope over time in order to restrict global warming and help countries to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change. This flexibility of strengthening actions over time paves the way for a world of low emissions and climate resilient economies. The goal in the Paris agreement of recognising the specific vulnerabilities and needs of developing countries is one of which Ireland has been particularly supportive. The signing of the Paris agreement at the opening ceremony in New York two weeks ago was the first step in bringing the agreement into force across the globe. This will be followed by its ratification, which can proceed once the commitments made by the European Union and their implications for its individual member states are finalised later this year.

Ireland’s contribution to tackling the challenge of climate change will be reflected in the EU contribution of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030, compared with 1990 levels. Once these details are finalised, the EU can proceed with the ratification of the agreement. When it comes into force, world leaders will truly have their feet on a clear and irreversible path towards tackling of global temperature rise. This commitment is echoed by Ireland’s first climate change legislation. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 provides the structures which will steer Irish society towards decarbonised energy, transport and built environment sectors as well as pursuing neutrality in the agriculture and land use sector. It establishes, in law, the national objective of transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy in the period up to and including the year 2050. It also provides a statutory basis for the institutional arrangements necessary to pursue and achieve that national transition objective. It is not designed to introduce new policies but to put in place a permanent legal framework to make sure we in Ireland make progress towards decarbonising our economy and our society.

These are long-term visions. They are highly ambitious and demand real and meaningful change in how Irish people live, work and travel. Meeting immediate 2020 commitments and raising our benchmarks incrementally to 2030, 2040 and 2050 will not be easy. Ireland’s climate change legislation recognises the need for joined-up thinking and action. The relevant Ministers in the new Government will have to contribute, on a sectoral basis, to a national mitigation plan. They will be required to develop sectoral adaptation plans, as will the local government sector, under the terms of a statutory national adaptation framework to be approved by Government. The Act also established the climate change advisory council on a legislative basis. This council will make recommendations to Government and Ministers in relation to these plans, frameworks and measures. It will play an important role in guiding Ireland’s policies and actions in order to give effect to the ambitions and commitments made in the Paris agreement by the Irish people.

We have seen in Ireland the effects of global climate change. The measures put in place by Government and the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government will help to ensure that Ireland is well equipped to take the necessary short and long-term measures to minimise Ireland’s impact on the climate. They highlight the seriousness with which the outgoing Government has addressed this subject at national, EU and international levels. Continuing with this level of response will need commitment from the new Government. Starting with the ratification of the Paris agreement and continuing with the actions and goals needed to meet our targets and secure the transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy will not be lightly achieved. The signing of the Paris agreement by the Minister, Deputy Kelly, sent an unequivocal message that Ireland shares in the global commitment to playing our part in tackling climate change. Global motivation to accomplish our common goals in this area is steadfast and that resolve must continue to be mirrored here in Ireland.

I thank again all those who contributed to the debate this afternoon. As this is a very important subject and a large number of people in this House feel strongly about it, I have no doubt that this will not be the last debate on climate change, be it on legislation, statements or other aspects. A large number of Departments, be they related to agriculture, the environment, finance and every other one along the way, can affect the whole issue of climate change. All these Departments can make a difference. As I noted already, this is all about joined up thinking.

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