Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am sharing time with Deputy Eugene Murphy, if he arrives. I thank the Minister for allocating time for this debate. What is surprising in the context of his opening statement is that he has yet to set out when a commissioner will be appointed for the just transition task force and how independent the commissioner will be. Apart from restating much of what we have heard previously, we have no detail on foot of the Minister's contribution.

We all acknowledge the issues surrounding the transition in the midlands. The title afforded to this debate is incorrect. It refers to a potential early exit, but the problem is a disastrous and unequal exit due to many poor Government decisions for the best part of a decade. There has been much inaction in this area for many years. The switch is being flicked and many workers, communities and livelihoods are being left behind. I acknowledge the work of my colleague, Deputy Cowen, in trying to ensure that a just transition task force was part of the budgetary negotiations. There will be a hypothecated funding allocation for the regions most affected by the transition that we must progress across the Government. The Government's decision to appoint a just transition commissioner might be the right approach and is in line with the recommendations of the Oireachtas joint committee, but there has been little detail from the Minister about when that will happen. It is far too late, however. The commissioner must be appointed before Christmas so that there can be negotiations with workers.

People who are watching this debate will know that workers are at the core of this. They are transitioning from their existing jobs and livelihoods into future prospects of employment, which were announced in the budget. It is one thing to make announcements, but it is another thing to deliver for workers who cannot be left behind. Bord na Móna and the ESB must commence immediately with a respectful deal in early 2020. The commissioner must be independent and must allocate just transition funding on a fair basis to the communities involved. These funds must be made available not only to the midlands but to all affected areas and sectors, for example, the coal plant at Moneypoint is a particular concern for the just transition task force.

I have a question for the Minister about the hypothecated fund that is a key part of the climate action plan. What will be its legal structure to ensure not only that just transition occurs across communities but also that there is no diversion of funds to other areas if gaps have to be plugged in those areas? What will be the legal structure relating to it in order that we can progress it into the future? No legislation has been published yet. Is it a hypothecation within Government figures or will it have a legal standing? It is important for the communities and workers that are adversely affected to see that a just transition task force has a commissioner appointed and that there is a crystallised funding model whereby any moneys raised through carbon tax are allocated and future-proofed. That has not been announced so far by the Government. I am anxious to see progress on the legal basis for that.

The restoration of bogs is a particularly important climate measure. Has the Minister examined the potential employment opportunities in this area, which we heard about at the climate action committee? We also had a great deal of discussion about retrofitting and the employment opportunities in that area. There are potentially thousands of jobs, a matter for the just transition task force. In addition, the task force must examine the issue of the restoration of bogs. We should see formal details from the Minister in that regard.

There is an absolute fear among people and communities about their livelihoods. Over a number of years there have been delays and a lack of action, and now we are playing catch up. However, that catch up should not be to the detriment of the communities and livelihoods of people whose jobs are being shut down. They have few prospects and little hope until we see more detail. I am surprised that the Minister provided more nebulous information but little detail regarding how he is going to conclude this transition and how he proposes to progress it for the people whose livelihoods are at risk. We know from the climate action committee the number of deaths that occur as a result of fuel poverty. One acceleration for jobs growth will be in the aggregation of retrofitting across the country. There is a potential fund of €30 million for that, but we must see those jobs crystallised into the future.

As regards the just transition fund, can the Minister provide additional information on how the midlands can transition from brown to green? Again, there was little information from him on a roadmap for people's livelihoods and jobs. What is the scale of negotiations that are ongoing? There is enormous concern about a mismatch between management level and the feed down to workers on the ground in the midlands. The regions across the board want buy-in on this issue if there is protection of jobs and livelihoods. We have EU and UN obligations, but we cannot leave people behind. That is a core message.

Deputy Eugene Murphy has been delayed. Will he be able to contribute later for a couple of minutes?

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