Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies Whitmore and Cairns for bringing forward these amendments, which I support. They are consistent with attempts made by the Opposition at various stages, including in the debate on the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 and on earlier Stages of this Bill, to enshrine the principles of just transition in legislation in Ireland. We look towards other jurisdictions - Scotland, for example - where this has been done. It makes a difference because it enshrines a commitment in this regard in law. It means that all of the policy that stems from the important legislation in this area must be in line with those principles.

In recent weeks, we had statements in the House on a just transition. One can see there is a really narrow focus from the Government on particular geographical areas and particular cohorts. In fact, a commitment to just transition needs to permeate absolutely everything we do in terms of climate change. Today's report from the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, refers specifically to the need for implementation and action. Much of the resistance to climate action is because of the unjust and unfair way in which it is being imposed and delivered. People are not being given the opportunity to see the benefits of, and everything that is positive about, essential climate action.

It speaks volumes that there is such resistance to amendments like these linked ones that have been put forward by Deputy Cairns. I hope the Minister will support them. However, if past performance is any indication, there will be opposition to them. I question where that opposition comes from. If we are serious about delivering on the targets that have been set and agreed on so widely, then the definition of the principles of just transition, in the broadest possible sense, is fundamental to the real-world delivery of those targets. We must ensure people on the front line, in such sectors as the fossil fuel industry, are protected. However, it is necessary for everybody to make a transition. For every decision we make, we need to think in terms of just transition, equity and ensuring the policy decisions that are made do not drive people into poverty, including fuel poverty, or further into poverty. It is fair enough if measures taken reduce some people's wealth but they should not drive people into poverty or further into poverty. Unfortunately, that is what is happening with some of the measures we have seen from the Government. I support these amendments.

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