Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Senators. I thank Senator Higgins, in particular, for her closing words. It is a significant day but it is only the start. What Senator Higgins says is true. We have to start with real action and delivering on the provisions. We have to get it finally approved in the Dáil before enactment but it requires an obligation on all of us. We start from a good place because we have, in our political system, worked collaboratively on this for a number of years. It sets the foundation for us, as a country, to start to step up and show real leadership. It will not be easy. There will be all sorts of challenges. We will have to change tack, reverse engines and learn as we do it but the structure in the Bill as to how the State organises itself, including consultation with the Oireachtas and the public, is a good one.

I thank my officials in the Department for the endless, tireless and excellent work they have done on the Bill and on their wider responsibilities. One of the strengths in this country, alongside the consensus in the political system on climate, as I see it, is the quality and character of our public servants. I thank them and I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing us to get our business done in a proper manner.