Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

We do not want to politicise this issue. Climate is too important for that. It is the Environmental Protection Agency and its analysis which has shown us we are missing the targets. I presume none of us take issue with its figures. As much as we talk a good game about the need for climate action and the importance of reducing emissions, with which we in the Social Democrats are, of course, in full agreement, rhetoric alone will not reduce our emissions. We need detailed plans across a variety of sectors and laser-focused implementation. We also need to ensure impacted industries like agriculture are fully supported as they make the necessary transitions. With all due respect, the Minister's will to reduce emissions will not achieve it alone. We need plans, resources and implementations. The Government has mere months left in office; of that there is no question. The question is what detailed plans are going to be implemented in that time to bridge the huge gap which exists in its climate action plan.

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