Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

A just transition policy will have to be implemented over a period for these sectors to achieve the decarbonisation, reduction in fossil fuels and so forth that the climate change objectives require. One of the recommendations in the recent report of the Joint Committee on Climate Action, which I strongly support, called for "Developing local economic diversification plans that support decent work and provide community stability in the transition." If there is a fall off a cliff, it will be a disaster for many areas. It is important that the Minister of State has development plans and perhaps he is in a position to outline them. I urge the Department to start those development plans because the Department of Rural and Community Development will be important in responding to that specific recommendation. That is critical. We all have a role to play. Some changes that are perceived as unpalatable will be required, but they are for the betterment of the long-term future of the country. We have to tackle it but it must be in a planned and phased way with proper transition periods and set objectives which will ensure that people can still earn a living in their rural communities.

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