Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister is well aware, Bord na Móna has had a very proud history of generating energy throughout the country for many decades. It also took very seriously, as part of its remit, the generation of jobs across communities in Kildare, Laois, Offaly and across the rest of the midlands. I am very heartened by my engagement with the current senior management in Bord na Móna because it takes this responsibility just as seriously today.

Storm Lorenzo, which is on our doorstep and due to arrive tomorrow, will join the other famous storms we became so familiar with, including storms Ophelia, Emma and Ali. We know the threats and reality of climate change now. There can be no denying it. We know what changes need to be made. In dealing with Bord na Móna, I am heartened by the changes it is making to its business model to try to continue to provide a source of employment and opportunities in a more climate-friendly way. It is using its large landbank to be a positive player in sequestering carbon as we move forward. At the heart of this is the concept of a just transition for Bord na Móna workers, their families and their communities who are so dependent on the income all the way along.

With every crisis and challenge, there are great opportunities. There is a lack of skilled retrofitting staff and staff associated the technologies of which we will need so much more. As revenue from carbon tax and carbon pricing increases, we will have further opportunities to invest in these key areas. We need to call on all the agencies of the State. I commend the work done to date through the whole-of-government approach. In areas such as social protection, we have the back-to-enterprise allowance. Through education, we can reskill workers. The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation can assist those who want to start their own business. We must support the workers who avail of the job opportunities across the midlands so we can retain the really important economic activity across rural communities in the midlands. Bord na Móna will serve as the perfect pilot to roll out just transition.

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