Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Since St. Patrick's Day, our way of life has changed more than we could ever imagine. One of the positive benefits has been the reduction in greenhouse emissions and their impact on climate change. Many people I know have not filled up their car since March. Working from home is no longer niche; it is now a revolution in how we work. The majority of people, some 59%, are happier working from home and surveys show that not having to face the daily commute is the top benefit of working from home.

It is not just working from home that has changed. Over 250,000 people are now cycling more compared with this time last year, which is an amazing statistic.

Restrictions on travel have revealed what is available to us on our doorsteps as we shop locally and explore local different walks. For many people, plans for holidays are now focusing on Kerry rather than the Canaries.

As we emerge from this crisis and rebuild our society I ask the Minister the following. What lessons can we learn to permanently reduce our greenhouse emissions? Can he outline the estimated reduction in greenhouse emissions since March? Can he outline what plans he has to make some of these changes permanent to support working from home, which is a revolution, support the increase in cycling and encourage staycations and shopping locally to continue into the future?

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