John McGahon (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

No, it is all right. I will be like Cicero. I will be brief, as the Cathaoirleach has said.The point of this climate action fund and reducing the NORA levy is to create far more projects that are sustainable, such as the seven already outlined. People from communities would be able to come to the Government or the Department and say they have an idea and run with it. It is such a wonderful way to engage local communities and it is definitely one of the big vehicles we can use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next ten years. It is important to stress that it would be very difficult for those projects to find funding otherwise.

This is forward-thinking legislation. As Senator Fitzpatrick said, it is quite technical but it is such a pleasure to see it in the Seanad's first proper week of sitting because that shows the urgency behind this Bill and how committed the Minister is to it. I commend the Minister on bringing the Bill to this House so quickly. It is a much-needed measure and I find it very hard to see how anyone could disagree with it. The sooner we get it through this House, the better.