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

The Government has renewed focus in this area. We had a full day discussion on the area of climate and related aspects and that will be reflected in the budget next week. We will roll out the renewable heat incentive scheme later this year which will have an impact not only in stimulating biomass but also making the forestry crop far more valuable. I met Coilte yesterday in regard to mobilising forestry and timber production. Things are happening in the area. I understand the Deputy's frustration, and I equally share that frustration and the belief that things need to move and must move faster. It will take not merely a whole of Government approach but a whole of society approach. That is why the national dialogue on climate change is so vitally important to engage communities across the country. I met a group of young people from Ballinasloe last week who were talking about climate refugees. Each second, nine people are moving from their homes because of climate. That starts here in Ireland. We have it in the Shannon Callows where families who have been there for generations have had to move. It is happening in our own communities and we must motivate them.

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