Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The dramatic escalation of the timetable for closure of the two ESB power plants in the midlands stands in stark contrast to the European experience. For example, when the German federal ministry for economic affairs and energy outlined its plan to completely phase out coal no later than 2038 in line with recommendations of the German coal commission, it was able to do so without the closure of any major power stations. We know that unions insisted that workers would not allow themselves to be the victims of those who make big promises in climate policy but let others pay the bill. Will the Minister insist that Bord na Móna and ESB workers receive parity with their European counterparts in terms of employment transition and redundancy measures? Bord na Móna workers are aggrieved regarding redundancy packages, which fall far short of those offered to their Spanish and German counterparts.

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