Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to say a few words about this important issue. I am concerned that communities and workers affected by the transition to a low carbon economy seem to have been forgotten in the Government's new climate action plan. The plan fails to reflect, even in part, the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Climate Action on a just transition. It ignores the committee's recommendation that an independent "Just Transition Task Force be established in 2019 to proactively consider the likely upcoming challenges of the forthcoming rapid transition". The plan merely refers to the establishment of a "Just Transition Review Group" within the National Economic and Social Council which is undertaking research this area. It is not the appropriate forum to engage communities and workers. The Government's plan also fails to address the central point in the joint committee's recommendations, that the just transition task force will need to apply itself to other industries and sectors, not just to the challenges faced by the midlands. I am sure the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Bruton, is aware of the significant challenges faced in that part of the country.

Last week the European Commission highlighted the same failings in Ireland's draft climate report which was submitted to Brussels last year. We often think the European Union is too rigid in the way it addresses issues in this country. In this instance, it has emphasised that the plan should "integrate just and fair transition aspects better, notably by providing more details on social, employment and skills impacts of planned policies and measures", "address the impact of the transition on the populations living in carbon-intensive regions" and "complement the approach to addressing energy poverty issues with indicative objectives for reducing energy poverty". There is no doubt that we will have energy poverty as a result of the plan. The Joint Committee on Climate Action made precisely the same findings. All members of the committee, including those from the Fine Gael Party, recommended that an independent task force be established to examine "the social and employment impacts of climate policies", address "training and skills development", identify "social protection needs" and develop "local economic diversification plans". Will the Minister clarify the reasons for the categorical failure to take account of these recommendations? Will he commit to amending the plan in accordance with them?

It has been proposed to increase carbon tax between now and 2030. Fianna Fáil has been very clear that prior to any carbon tax increase, the Government must introduce specific measures to protect people who are vulnerable to fuel poverty and ring-fence revenues to assist people who are not in a position to transition from fossil fuels. This is a significant issue in many parts of the country. We welcome the ESRI's recent announcements on the issue and the recent consultation by the Department of Finance. I ask the Minister to update the House in advance of budget 2020 on the introduction of these measures, particularly in the context of the need to combat energy poverty and support vulnerable households that will be affected by these plans.

Last month the House learned of the significant environmental, economic and health impacts of biodiversity loss and the destruction of natural habitats. The joint committee made it clear in its report that the implementation of several of its recommendations would have the double benefit of reducing emissions and supporting biodiversity. There is a need for a new land use plan, new incentives under the Common Agricultural Policy, the protection of hedgerows, forestry management initiatives and the restoration of peatlands. As a result of an amendment proposed by Fianna Fáil, the link between the climate and biodiversity crises was reflected in the declaration by this House in May of a climate and biodiversity emergency. However, the importance of biodiversity is largely absent from the new climate action plan. The Minister seems to believe biodiversity is an entirely separate issue which should be dealt with by the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. I ask him to confirm that investment in biodiversity protection will be supported, including through the development of a national hedgerow conservation strategy, as recommended in the joint committee's report.

I am sure the Minister will agree that if we are to have this massive change in society - I believe we all agree there must be some aspect of change - he must bring his people with him. If he does not have the people on his side to implement such change, he will not succeed. That is the reason I am putting specific questions to him today because they are very important issues. Regarding electric cars, what the Government is proposing is not implementable; it just cannot happen.

See this speech in context