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

It is clear the climate action plan is going to need to deliver a step change. We and others in the Opposition have been critical about the approach the Government has taken, particularly in respect of the design of schemes. Many of the retrofitting and electric vehicle schemes are unfair because they are inaccessible to many people. At root, it is clear we are on the wrong trajectory. The Energy in Ireland report stated that, last year, emissions increased by 5.4% instead of reducing by 4.8%.

The same is likely if not worse this year. This places a huge challenge on meeting next year's target. Including the upcoming climate action plan when does the Minister believe our first carbon budget will be exhausted? Will it be exhausted next year or in 2024? Will the climate action plan deliver the type of step change that is needed? We need corrective action at this stage to get back on track because we are so far off it.

See this speech in context