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

In my view, the plan that we have put forward is transformative. It details what we must do to meet this challenge in terms of reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030. I agree with the EPA that implementation is key, in terms of the urgent implementation of climate plans and policies. The sectoral emissions ceilings will be brought before the Cabinet shortly by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Eamon Ryan. Without question, all sectors will have to play a role. Significant progress is being made across the board. What we are doing now will set the foundations for transformative change in respect of our climate performance as a country in terms of reducing emissions. The legislation we passed, which met opposition from quite a number of Members, and the measures we have taken, give us a foundation and a base but each sector of the economy and society will have to step up in terms of its performance and in getting emissions reduced. That is the clear commitment of the Government in terms of behavioural change that we are bringing about through a range of instruments at our disposal - taxation, incentives, and various initiatives we have taken in agriculture, enterprise and in respect of the energy efficiency side. The retrofitting grants are the most extensive yet announced. The allocation of resources has been significant, but more important, we have given the industry in that area a clear timeline to the end of the decade, by virtue of the carbon tax. We have given it a clear indication that it can be certain about that revenue stream to enable us to retrofit thousands of houses.

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