Dáil debates

Wednesday, 6 April 2022

7:20 pm

Photo of Alan FarrellAlan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate, which takes place at a time when the world can see the writing on the wall when it comes to climate change. It is a time of acute increases in the cost of living, specifically relating to energy costs. I welcome the comments of the Minister, Deputy Ryan, the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste on a series of cost-of-living measures to be introduced soon. Such a step is important as it recognises the struggles families face with regard to heating their homes and making choices about food. The recognition of that, in the context of where we are economically, is important.

The Minister, Deputy Humphreys, should also note that, as my colleague has just mentioned, there is a compelling case for additional measures through the Department of Social Protection on top of the €1.9 billion that has already been committed, including giving consideration to the extension of the winter fuel allowance for a further period. Perhaps that is what she, the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste had in mind in their prior comments.

Returning to the climate budget, I am pleased that the Government and its predecessors, having recognised the necessity and urgency of this matter, committed to delivering real and transformative change across every sector and every corner of Ireland. We have set some extremely ambitious and difficult-to-reach targets and goals for our country. As has often been highlighted by the Department and the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action, which I serve upon, we aim to reduce our carbon emissions by 51% by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050. These are significant and challenging targets and there is no easy way to achieve them. There is no one policy or silver bullet to help us reach these goals.

However, a vital component in the battle is the role of the carbon budgets. These budgets will allow us to map out not just our societal landscape, but also our sectoral landscape in a series of five-year budgets, allowing us to manage our emissions and adjust our activity as necessary, thus ensuring that we make the best possible effort to meet our climate responsibilities. The carbon budgets will facilitate a change in policy and introduce a new level of responsibility and accountability that will be shared by all Departments, industries and sectors. By acting now, we can ensure that we leave a planet that is fit for human existence, for our children and for our children's children.

This week saw the publication of the latest UN report on the impacts of climate change and the cost of inaction. The report highlights that, while it is not too late to limit climate change to 1.5°C, it will be too late without immediate action on a global scale. If not this week, then certainly last week, I believe the Taoiseach stated: "Oh Lord, make me chaste but not yet."

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