Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the Bill introduced by Deputy Bríd Smith. It is short and concise and proposes to amend the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960 by prohibiting the issuing of licences for exploration for fossil fuels. The Bill recognises and legislates for the scientific reality that we must stop seeking more carbon based energy. It is also fully in line with Ireland's climate and energy obligations and security of supply requirements.

I wish to respond to the comments of the Minister of State, Deputy McHugh, on energy security. It is clear that ending the State's fossil fuel licensing will not disrupt Ireland's current gas supply or usage or in any way jeopardise the energy demands of citizens and businesses in Ireland. Ireland's national and international climate commitments require the almost complete decarbonisation of the energy, transport and home heating sectors in the medium term. However, natural gas is a key component of Ireland's current energy mix, particularly for base load electricity generation. It is recognised that the existing gas supplies must be maintained and the policy change proposed in the Bill does not seek to switch off any existing supplies and does not affect current exploration licences.

The State's climate and energy objectives are clear about the need to phase out fossil fuels. It is highlighted in the Government's climate strategy, produced in July 2017, that Ireland depends on fossil fuels to meet 88% of its energy needs at an annual cost of approximately €4.6 billion. We must reduce this reliance on fossil fuels very considerably by 2050. The 2050 objective is set out in the 2014 national policy position, which is underpinned by the Climate Change and Low Carbon Development Act 2015. The 2014 policy position is also bolstered by the State's energy White Paper, Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030, which further specifies the objective of reductions in emissions by 80% to 95% compared to 1990 levels by 2050. The Minister, therefore, has an obligation to support this Bill on Second Stage.

See this speech in context