Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government contains 19 separate references and commitments to a just transition, yet when the climate Bill was published last October there was not a single reference to this critical provision in it. During pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Bill, the Joint Committee on Climate Action recommended that the Bill include a definition of a just transition. Members went so far as to propose wording.

Legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2019 included a section dedicated to just transition principles. It committed to reducing emissions in a manner that supports environmentally and socially sustainable jobs, supporting low-carbon investment in infrastructure, developing social consensus through engagement, and creating decent, fair and high-value work. Instead of listening to the committee or learning from other jurisdictions, the Government's revised legislation includes a single and very underwhelming reference to a just transition underpinned by caveats and with no definition or, indeed, guiding principles.

There is still time for party leaders to correct this significant shortfall. Will the Taoiseach work with the Minister, Deputy Ryan, and the Tánaiste to strengthen the just transition provision so that, at a minimum, it reflects the commitments contained within the programme for Government and the recommendations of the joint committee?

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