Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Responding to climate change can seem like an enormous, insurmountable challenge. However, like any business response, it begins with breaking it down into small actionable steps. The programme for Government commits to a 7% average yearly reduction in the overall greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade combined with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill which commits us in law to move to a climate resilient and climate neutral economy by 2050.We are determined and we are working towards this. This is a step to help our small and microbusinesses on their journey as they move towards a more green operation.

The Government is very supportive of small and microbusiness. We established the SME task force, made up of key stakeholders from a Government or State perspective, people who have made and created jobs, captains of industry and entrepreneurs. There are now objectives the Government is prioritising and working through with the implementation group to ensure small businesses have the support they require. I agree wholeheartedly with Senator Boyhan that we need these small indigenous businesses in urban and rural areas throughout the country to support much-needed jobs. As a Minister of State in the Department, I am determined to ensure the right policies are there to support our small and microenterprises.