Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

On amendments Nos. 5, 6 and 8, I am delighted to see the Minister has accepted some of Deputy Whitmore's amendments, including reference to various important national strategies such as the national biodiversity strategy, the national disability inclusion strategy, and the roadmap for social inclusion. This will help ensure the Bill is poverty-proofed and conscious of disability matters.

It is further welcome to see the inclusion of the Government amendment No. 10, which will ensure the Minister will engage with individuals representing economically or socially disadvantaged persons or persons who have a disability. It also refers to a poverty impact assessment that must be carried out by the Minister in respect of the circular economy strategy.

People at risk of poverty or people with disabilities must be treated as active participants in the new economy rather than being relegated to inactive participants, as they currently are with the linear economic model we have today. Without proper consultation on climate action policies, we risk increasing poverty and further disadvantaging people with disabilities. It is important their voices and concerns should feed into policy processes at initial stages. Consultation should be active, early and thorough to make people feel they have been involved, to give the best possible results and to make the best possible policies.

With regard to food poverty, we must be cognisant of affordability in the context of the rising cost of living. It is important we bring along everyone in line with just transition principles as we transition to a zero-carbon economy and that those most vulnerable to that transition would be included, consulted and, where possible, protected.

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