Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies who contributed. I agree with Deputy Howlin, in that supporting the implementation of the carbon tax is the acid test of our seriousness as a country in tackling climate change. Over the course of the next ten years, the carbon tax's application will help us to achieve 15% of our CO₂emission cuts compared with a situation where we did not apply it.

Deputies have made valid points regarding the importance of seeing that the carbon tax is implemented in a progressive way where its revenue is used to fund mitigation measures. I will take the opportunity to discuss the measures that will be funded as a result of the increase that has been decided upon. An additional €100 million will be invested in residential and community efficiency, starting with social housing. We will provide €100 million to enable the retrofitting of social housing.

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