Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to hear that supports have improved since our previous discussion. It is positive to hear that. I am speaking specifically to how sectors will be treated in a just transition framework. There are companies on one end and individuals with a personal progression plan on the other. There are cohorts of workers in particular sectors, and these should be treated slightly differently again. It may not be appropriate to specify Bord na Móna because discussions are ongoing.We can, however, identify sectors that are vulnerable. It may be within the capacity of the Minister to address this. I do not suggest that she has case workers but she should plan for her case workers over the next six to 12 months. If a specific set of skills is associated with a vulnerable sector, it may be a matter of training case workers to be prepared for a large cohort of vulnerable persons and on where the likely transitions may be. More needs to be done.

As Senator Devine said, the just transition framing is missing. I will withdraw my amendment and reintroduce it on Report Stage. I would appreciate it if the Minister provided clear framing and a vision on where the Department sees itself specifically having an input, not just regarding our climate targets but also the goal of just transition. It is a shared goal and it is not owned by me or any other Member. While the Minister has outlined the services that exist, I have not had a sense of where the Department sees itself regarding just transition. I have suggested four areas. She may have two or three ideas of her own on how the Department sees itself fitting in regarding the delivery of just transition. Brexit, on which I have not spoken, presents a related set of challenges to be faced. We face what will be a series of shocks unless we plan for them.

I will withdraw my amendment and reserve the right to resubmit it on Report Stage, possibly in combination with some of the elements. I will be happy to engage with the Minister in the meantime on any amendment she might find acceptable to address this issue.