Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

No comment.

When we are asking people to come along the way with us to a net-zero future, we need to see the Government introducing climate action policies which will show benefit in the short term. We need to see carrots and not just sticks. We need incentives and not just sanctions when it comes to climate action. Yesterday, the Taoiseach confirmed to me during Leaders' Questions that the "I-can’t-believe-it’s-not-a-budget" mini-budget will be launched next Tuesday. We will hear some clarity then as to the measures to be introduced and that is welcome. Can the Tánaiste give assurances that the mini-budget package will be targeted and sustainable and that the measures introduced will be environmentally proofed?

I know that there is disquiet in the Green Party that in addition to being insufficient to make a difference to the bills of the most hard-pressed families, untargeted electricity credits may also have done little to progress climate action. This is a real concern with that particular measure. As part of Tuesday’s package, why not adopt instead the Labour Party proposal for a €9 climate ticket that we put forward last October? Modelled on the scheme in Germany, the ticket would enable people to take unlimited public transport journeys on trains, trams and buses for just €9 per month. This would have a significant impact on emissions, equivalent to taking 23,000 cars off our roads. It would also help people to make the move to public transport and assist in addressing the cost-of-living crisis. We are seeing other jurisdictions taking leadership on climate. In next Tuesday's mini-budget, will this Government be taking leadership on climate measures too?

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