Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the points raised by Deputy Bruton. We are running out of time. The planet is set for significant changes, and the Cabinet sub-committee has been briefed by experts to the effect that our children's children will bear the brunt of this. There will be an onus on all of us. The Deputy is correct in what he says. The carbon budgets were approved by the Houses on 6 April. The Minister and the Department are working with all other Departments, including the Departments of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Transport, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with a view to preparing a recommendation for Government approval on sectoral ceilings. We will take on board what the Committee on Environment and Climate Action has recommended but it is no longer enough to do our best; we must do what is necessary. The committee believes that the carbon budgets and the sectoral ceilings should reflect that spirit of urgency and ambition. It will be very challenging; of that there is no doubt.

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