Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Minister on the issue of cycling, in particular, and the need to invest in public transport. That is more than a transport matter; it is a social and economic justice matter.

We were disappointed that the Minister did not accept the amendments we submitted to the climate action Bill but we very much look forward to working constructively, as part of the Opposition, with him on the upcoming publication of the climate action plan to ensure real commitment across all sectors and Departments to ensure we meet our emissions targets. As I said, the consequences are too dire for all of us if we do not do that. I look forward to working with the Minister. My party leader, Deputy Kelly, yesterday spoke about the dangers of short-termism in politics. As the Minister has said with regard to this issue, we must move on a multi-annual basis to take account of long-term thinking and to work constructively together to ensure that climate change is addressed and that we meet these targets. As a constituency colleague of mine, the Minister will appreciate the consequences for Dublin Bay South, where there is the prospect of flooding. There will be consequences of a rise in the Grand Canal and the Liffey and Dodder rivers. We can see the consequences starkly across Ireland and the world.

See this speech in context