Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy O'Gorman. The Climate Change Advisory Council has acknowledged today that progress has been made, particularly on the roll-out of retrofitting and the use of renewable energy and solar in our homes, but it is also crystal clear that the progress being made is not enough and that we need to do much more. It is important that we not be fatalistic about climate change. The Deputy is certainly not fatalistic about what we can do. There has been significant progress. Ireland's emissions have fallen for the past three years. We now have the lowest level of emissions in 35 years, despite our population having grown by 50% over that period. That is quite a startling statistic. However, the Climate Change Advisory Council's annual review highlights the scale of challenge to remain within the carbon budget envelope. We are taking steps to implement the renewable energy directive. It is complex and wide-ranging, but it is a really important element.

Meeting our targets will be very challenging and that is why we are now strengthening governance arrangements. The climate action plan programme board has already met three times, involving senior officials from all the main sectors, including energy, transport and agriculture. Its remit now is to focus on the delivery of the action required to accelerate delivery and close the emissions gap. We will be taking very seriously and, of course, reflecting on today’s report of the Climate Change Advisory Council.

See this speech in context