Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 33:

In page 9, between lines 31 and 32, to insert the following: “(2A) The Climate Action Plan must also, with reference to the just transition principles—

(a) explain how the proposals and policies set out in the plan are expected to affect different sectors, households, communities, and regions, including how they are expected to affect employment in those sectors, communities, and regions, and

(b) set out the Ministers’ proposals and policies for supporting the workforce, employers and communities in those sectors, households, communities, and regions.”.

We have had a long conversation about this in that this amendment seeks to put just transition policies and principles at the heart of the climate action plans. Climate action plans are where the rubber meets the road in terms of policies and actions which will achieve emissions reductions. This amendment is based on the much spoken about Scottish example. It is a pragmatic amendment based on a working example and a serious way to make sure the transition is just.

Amendment No. 40 seeks to achieve a similar thing and I know they are grouped. I will speak to it now. This amendment seeks to put the transition principles at the heart of the long-term strategy. We need to make sure the just transition is to the fore of the Government's mind when it is planning in the long term. The just transition cannot be an afterthought again. This pragmatic amendment is based on the working Scottish example.

The Minister has spoken about looking to Britain. One thing Brexit presents the Irish people and the Administration here is the opportunity to look beyond Britain and work with our European neighbours and take best practice and form relationships with those administrations.