Pauline O'Reilly (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Ryan. This is not just an amended Bill. It is a statement of intent. We have a list of projects. If we can continue in that matter, actually to show the practical ramifications of the Bills that we have passed, that is the best way to get the public on board. We see a number of these projects dealing with climate in tandem with fuel poverty. Let us continue that and show that this is a Government and a House that is putting in place the practical measures that can change people's lives.

I welcome many of the suggestions here today which show that we are all on board with a climate action fund. On top of the measures outlined here, I am especially excited about that second round. With a climate action fund, and on top of the measures outlined here, I am particularly excited about the second round. As was highlighted earlier by Senator Murphy, today is the closing date for applications for the just transition fund. That gets people really excited. They can ask to put forward their innovative suggestions for how to deal with climate and how to help their community. When I look at some of the community energy projects that people have tried to get off the ground, such as in my own constituency of Galway, it has been incredibly difficult. I have tried to help communities to do that. I would love if the Minister addressed how we can make it easier for people to put these things into action. The Aran Islands Energy Co-op has been really successful but that took years of effort on the part of a dedicated group of people who live close together. Other things can be done, but people have found it difficult to use the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grant scheme. It is fantastic that there is going to be a second round but I would love to hear more about how we can make it easier for people not only to access funding but also to get projects off the ground.

I thank the Minister for coming in and will not take any more time. I welcome the Bill and the amendments that the Minister has said he will look at further down the line. We are losing money every day that we fail to pass this legislation so we should pass it while taking on board all of the suggestions that have been made and working together across the two Houses of the Oireachtas.