Seanad debates

Friday, 9 July 2021

Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021: Report and Final Stages

 

9:30 am

Photo of Pauline O'ReillyPauline O'Reilly (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate what I said on Committee Stage in relation to the sustainable development goals. I want to see them implemented in regard to other things, such as in planning and across the board in different Departments. This needs to be put on some kind of a footing. While we have signed up to the UN's sustainable development goals, I agree that it needs to be placed on a stronger footing in this country. I argue that the Bill is providing for everything that is required under the sustainable development goals. It would be a stronger action to include it in other Bills in relation to development and planning, etc. We must put it in its own setting as well as on a legislative footing.That is preferable to putting it into a Bill that is already doing what is set out in the sustainable development goals. That is what I would argue. I go back to the point that we could put everything into this Bill but we need to get on with doing what is fundamental to the Bill, which is strengthening the Climate Change Advisory Council, putting in place climate action plans and reaching our targets. We mention them as much as we can and I agree with the sustainable development goals in principle. I ask the Minister to look at what we might be able to do outside of the Bill to strengthen Ireland's commitment to them.

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