Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy makes fair points and this has to be done in a way that we protect livelihoods and families who are in traditional employments that are under threat because of the inevitable change. We have to accept this change is inevitable but what we must try to do is work with the families, workers and communities involved to make sure it is a fair transition and not an immediate cliff fall event but rather one that is planned and worked through. It has to be in all areas of economic activity.

I will speak to the Minister, Deputy Ryan, and perhaps we should set up a meeting with other Deputies in the area. Deputy Cowen has been very strong on the just transition, to be fair, and he has led from the front on ensuring strong policy prioritisation of the just transition fund for Ireland and particularly its application to the midlands. A useful meeting could take place with the Minister in this regard because he is genuine and sincere in wanting to create alternative employment through renewables, peat reclamation and retrofitting. As the Deputy mentioned, IDA Ireland and others, including Enterprise Ireland, have a role to play to support more modern industry in the region and the creation of jobs that are emerging in the digital economy.

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