Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The truth is that the real test is when it comes to the specific actions that have to be taken to deliver on the targets. These will present challenges and difficulties at local and national levels but we will provide leadership and we require support from across this House. I do not think there is any lack of opportunity for input from parties and Deputies in the House to allow them to contribute to how the climate action challenge can be met.

The Deputy raised the question concerning wind energy. The new body, the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, MARA, will be up and running in quarter 1 of next year. We are actively recruiting a chair and a chief executive officer for that body at this point in time. It will, fundamentally, modernise and streamline the consent and licensing system in respect of offshore wind generation. This needs to be done to ensure it is delivered. A new planning Bill will also come before the House in the weeks to come. The Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and the Attorney General have been working closely in that regard. The truth is that this comes down to specific and tangible measures that demonstrate our real commitment. On days like this, words are easy but it is the follow-up and implementation where it gets difficult. That is the real test and that is where we can make great progress.

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