Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The public consultation on the carbon budgets concluded last month. Last year saw a step change in Ireland's approach to climate action with the signing into law of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 and the new climate action plan.

There is a stark picture of the impact climate action is having on all nations. Negative effects of climate change are already being experienced globally. Carbon tax is a key pillar underpinning the climate action plan to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero no later than 2050. Significant portions of carbon tax revenue are allocated for welfare and retrofitting schemes.

Low-income households will see the carbon tax offset but I have concerns regarding this tax. We are told that €41 per tonne is equivalent to €1.50 per month to household. We all know and see every day that households are struggling with the increase in the cost of fuel and the cost of living. I met with some taxi drivers today and they told me some of them will have to give up their job because they cannot afford to keep their taxi on the road. I met with hauliers who tell me the same. I meet with farmers regularly because of this.

We speak about transport in rural Ireland and I can only speak about Carlow and Kilkenny, particularly Carlow. In Dublin, there are all the buses and train services. In a small rural town like Carlow, we do not have all those services. It is unfair for us to promote or work on something that we know we need to address.

The other issue is something I have been constantly fighting for and on which the Minister has given me a commitment. Carlow town does not have a bus service. My understanding is there will be an electric vehicle there and I welcome that the Minister is saying we will have it this year. We have to get it this year. I cannot go back again to the people of Carlow and say they are not getting their Carlow town bus service. When we want to work on climate change and promote climate action, as we are doing, the proper infrastructure, such as proper cycle lanes, has to be in place. I ask that the Minister ensure that town bus service is delivered.

The fuel allowance is finishing this week. I ask that it be extended. It is so important. We cannot forget about people. We have to know what is the roadmap, what is the plan and what sort of communication we need to deliver to the people. It is important that people understand. People are struggling and I see it every day. We have to be mindful and make sure we are not losing men who want to drive a taxi but cannot afford to.

The carbon tax is coming in on 1 May. There are concerns about that and I have had several phone calls about it. I know the Minister is aware of that. Do we look at an extension or what do we look at? It is important that we get our communication out there. We all want to have our homes and everyone else's home retrofitted. The windows, doors and heating in houses are important but we need to make sure there is proper communication and the funding is there.

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