Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)

That is a pity. Ba mhaith liom an Teachta Whitmore a mholadh as an mBille seo a chur os comhair na Dála. Molaim an Dr. Sinéad Mercier freisin. Is bean iontach í. It is essential that we talk about climate action and a just transition. When the climate committee was working on the climate Bill, we were desperately trying to get a proper definition in that. People did not feel that a just transition was in order or that it was actually about climate action through justice for people and workers.

The climate and biodiversity crisis that we face across this State and worldwide is existential. We need a radical change in how we do business if we are to reach any of our short- or long-term climate goals. It will require buy-in from everyone if we are to collectively reduce our emissions and convert to a greener, cleaner and more just future. To get that we really need universal buy-in and equality of outcome. Putting a just transition i lár gach aon rud is essential if we are to achieve this. People should not be punished for doing the right thing.

It is clear that there is an appetite for ambitious climate action in Ireland across different regions and life stages. That means that we have a unique opportunity to engage and empower communities to shape, lead and benefit from the transition. It should be seen not as a hindrance but as a golden opportunity. We can deliver climate solutions that not only cut emissions but also enhance people's lives, by creating better jobs, warmer homes, cleaner air and a more resilient society. We cannot wait until after communities or sectors are impacted to talk about fairness.

Engagement and planning must happen before the transformational changes arrive. Engagement here is key because we live in a different world from did five years ago. I was on the climate committee with Jennifer Whitmore in the last Dáil. We were never looking for Senators to come in to have a quorum. It was the one committee that worked really well across all the parties. It is completely different this time. It is not because there are fewer Green Party members on it, but because there is less interest.

While we want climate action, the world has not been so receptive because the world has changed. We only have to look at America. The President of America is anti-climate and anti-science. He has talked about climate change as a scam. These are really easy lies to peddle because people will always look for the easy option. It might be easier to just say it is not true, but we have to contradict that. The Government has to counteract that by including workers and communities in the green revolution now, not later. We know the climate transition will impact every community and every sector and each of our lives and livelihoods. We know it will affect countries and cause increased migration, an issue that is very topical now. I believe that everybody loves their own homeland and would prefer to stay at home. We need to do what we can in the developed world to make sure people can stay in their own homes if that is what they want.

There is now a need for a national just transition strategy, a clear actionable plan that shows how climate will benefit every community and every worker, especially those at risk. If we can build a consensus and bring communities with us on this climate journey now and for generations to come, the world will be a better place. I believe this is the moment for Ireland to show it is serious about a just transition.

I disagree with the Government opposing the Bill. It is a good Bill that would show communities that climate action can make their lives better. It can result in cheaper electricity. It is a real pity the Government is opposing the Bill outright.

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