Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

This is only one piece in the jigsaw of changes we will have to make. We will have to ring-fence funds. We have to ring-fence the funds from carbon taxation for social welfare increases to protect people from fuel poverty, to improve people's homes and to establish new farming initiatives that support farmers. We will have to do a range of work on communications on how we get this as a bottom-up, community-led system. To answer the key question on this timeline, I return to the fact that this has been in gestation for three years, which is a long time. I do not believe it is disputed or that people disagree with the fundamental import and intention of this Bill. For those who agree that we are in a climate and biodiversity crisis, passing it quickly allows us to draw down the funds of €10 million immediately, which will allow us to start taking technological actions. The Deputy is correct that this is technology focused. It is very specific in looking for technology solutions from communities that will deliver nature benefits as well as climate benefits. That is the purpose of the Bill. There will be a raft of other measures on which I look forward to working with the Deputy to make the transition happen.

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