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

There is a very significant opportunity here. Much of what we discuss with regard to climate action is contentious and difficult but here there is a perfect alignment between the wishes, needs and frustrations of people and the solutions that are available. On the solutions, the Government needs to look at the opportunity presented here and to treat our education centres, our primary and secondary schools, as catalysts for climate action as regards going to and from school, school transport, safe routes to school and in the school itself. We need an expansive solar scheme such as that which Sinn Féin will propose in our alternative budget. Our schools should be learning centres and catalysts for climate action. There is a perfect alignment between the needs and wishes of people. If we can properly resource these schemes, that can be delivered on.

See this speech in context