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

I thank everyone who contributed to the debate. Bar one contribution, I agree with the vast majority of what has been said. Even in respect of that contribution, we need to address many issues there in the context of where we are going. The Deputies' contributions are useful in informing a wider-ranging debate on the issue of climate change. Recognition of the challenge of global warming has received broad support across the political spectrum. The Paris Agreement represents the first international commitment of its kind. For such a global agreement to enter into force less than one year after it was agreed sends out a message of global commitment to address the challenges of climate change.

I understand some of the concerns raised and appreciate the queries surrounding our obligations once the agreement is ratified. The agreement is built on commitments made by all states parties. The nationally determined commitments outline the steps everyone will take to reduce their own impact on the environment and increase their ability to adapt to the inevitable negative effects of climate change. There is a commitment that the nationally determined commitments will display progression towards increasing ambitions over time.

I will try to deal with some of the questions raised. Deputy Timmy Dooley made the point that this was the second last country in the world to commence the ratification process. This is not, by any manner of means, the second last country to ratify the agreement. Ten EU member states have ratified it and Ireland will be the 11th to ratify it if we get the approval of the House today. While we may have been slow to start, we will be to the fore in completing the ratification process. I understand the frustration of many Members at the timelines. The draft first national mitigation plan, as Deputy Catherine Connolly mentioned, will be published for public consultation in the next few weeks. I would have loved to have been able to publish it before we had this debate in the House. However, I am determined to make sure it will be in place by the deadline of June next year. That places responsibility, as Deputy Eamon Ryan said, not just on me, as energy Minister, but also on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Michael Creed, and the Minister from Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross.

Deputy Brian Stanley said he would like to see stronger legislation. Legislation is now in place and sets a structure in place. It sets a benchmark to be reached by every Department. Deputy Eamon Ryan is right in that there has to be radical change in the way we think about things. This is the first step in that regard.

On the targets sets in the national mitigation plan, we will have to look at adaptation measures to ensure change in every sector of society. The Department is working closely with local authorities in their contributing to both the national mitigation plan and the national adaptation framework. They are seen as key players in achieving our transition to having a low carbon resilient climate. Guidelines have been published and seminars and workshops held. In fact, in my county of Roscommon a seminar is taking place today with local authorities at the regional assembly in Ballaghaderreen. Before the end of the year I will be providing a statement for the House on the annual transition which will outline our progress, future aims and objectives to 2030.

I had to smile when Deputy Brian Stanley mentioned the re-establishment of the sugar industry in this country. I remember being one of the very few voices on the Opposition benches at the time who opposed the abolition of the sugar industry and being criticised for it by the Government side of the House and also by others on the Opposition side. There were public meetings organised against me in some parts of the country by various national organisations, but I was not prepared to bow because it was the wrong thing to do at the time. Sadly, I have been proved right.

Deputy Clare Daly made the point that changes to Government policy were needed. Yes, we do need to make changes. All other speakers spoke about that issue, including Deputy Eamon Ryan. There is a need for radical changes to the way we approach and deliver on Government policy and it will require a completely different outlook and attitude. I say to Deputy Eamon Ryan that I am probably one of the first representatives from the midlands to come out publicly and say we need to move away from the use of peat and I am prepared to work with Bord na Móna to make sure that will happen as quickly as possible. However, we cannot ignore the fact that there are 1400 families dependent on the industry. Therefore, we need to provide for a structured transition rather than close it down today and leave nothing in its wake. That is the approach I want to take, not just on this but also on many other issues with which we have to deal.

The entry into force of the Paris Agreement will send an unequivocal message to business, stakeholders, citizens and the Government. All governments are committed to playing their part in tackling climate change. Global motivation to accomplish our common goals is steadfast. That resolve must be mirrored in Ireland if we are to transform our ambitions and international commitments into meaningful actions. I know that most speakers have made that point. It is essential that Ireland continue to play a full and active role in the global efforts to combat climate change. We need to change the way we run the economy. Many Members spoke about the huge opportunities presented. There are massive opportunities and because of this we need to change our thinking. Let us all reaffirm our commitment to achieving our targets and changing the way we run the economy and our society, not just to deal with the challenges we are facing.

Deputy Danny Healy-Rae made a point about the flooding experienced in the 1700s. The isolated incidents in the 1700s, 1800s and 1900s are remembered because they were so infrequent. The difficulty is that in my part of the country we have experienced record floods in two out of the last seven years. We have witnessed devastation in communities I represent. Instead of being one in 100-year events, they are becoming one in five-year events. We cannot continue to ignore the scientific facts. Let us all start to pull together and, from an environmental and an economic perspective, work towards the common goal of not only delivering on the objectives to 2030 but overachieving on them. Let us work together to be one of the world leaders in delivering on the commitments set out in the Paris Agreement.

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