Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The objective behind the dialogue on climate change is to take the concern and convert it into action. We have had concern over the past two decades and we have not seen the action. Now we need to convert it into action and have real engagement with communities throughout the country rather than the approach that has been taken until now to lecture people on it.

With regard to the budget, €100 million was invested in energy projects through the Department, with €63 million for the better energy homes and communities scheme, €9 million for electric vehicles, €7 million on renewable the heat incentive scheme, €111 million on the GLAS scheme, €112 million on the afforestation scheme and €52 million on the beef genomic scheme. A total of €430 million has been allocated to the OPW with regard to flooding and €22 million in the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government for the retrofitting of local authority homes. Relief for the VRT on electric vehicles has been extended for another five years. The VRT on hybrid vehicles has been extended for another two years. The natural gas used in vehicles has been reduced to the EU minimum. We have introduced reductions through the abolition of carbon tax with regard to biomass fuels.

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