Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 12, line 38, after “economy” to insert “and society”.

We have spoken about the competitive process. I accept that the Minister has said it will not always be a competitive process. That is appropriate because there are actions in some specific areas that simply need to be taken, for example, in the midlands. Shannon is an area that also will need a just transition, especially as the path forward that was planned has now been changed. A new path will be needed. As the Minister said, there are several areas where there may be calls for specific projects. I am a little concerned that the Bill refers to supporting "projects and initiatives in regions in the State and within sectors of the economy impacted by the transition to a low carbon economy". My amendment is very simple. The amended wording would simply read "sectors of the economy and society".

When we think about community development, older people, younger citizens, the question of immigration or the different things that might drive people to leave towns and cities, the concern may not always be about the economy. All the things that make up the fabric of certain areas of the country and various sectors of society will be impacted by a just transition. The Minister's amendment, which I believe will be taken after this one, moves away from a competitive framing. I seek assurances that projects that aim to enable particular sectors of society to achieve a just transition will also be able to access funding. In other words, I would like assurances that this will not just be about the economy. As I said earlier, it is not just rural Ireland that is made up of communities, but so too are suburban Ireland and urban Ireland as well.

The appropriate intervention in a community that has lost a source of employment may be another form of employment. It may be an economic measure. Alternatively, a social intervention may be needed. For example, some communities are built around power stations. How do we make sure that social interventions keep communities connected and keep life in local towns? Will those projects also be supported? They are also a part of a just transition. Jobs are crucially important but not everything begins with a job. There are other threads in our society that also need to be minded. I am hopeful that the Government amendment No. 8 will address some of the concerns reflected in my amendment No. 7.