Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Leas-Chathaoirleach can signal when he wants me to finish. I do not intend to go on for too long. Everybody here who talks about the just transition means well. This is not a tactic by the Opposition but if one looks at the voting records in this House when amendments are put forward on various issues, the reality is that nine times out of ten, the Opposition votes together. This is not so different to that. I do not criticise what the Minister has said today and I fully accept that when we use the phrase "just transition" we must acknowledge that there are vulnerable people, particularly in our own country and, of course, across the world, who must be looked after.

I refer to the area of retrofitting and the fact that briquettes will no longer be available. In fairness, the Government and the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, have always said that people who suffer because of the cost, for example, of retrofitting, must be properly assisted by Government with grant aids or low-cost loans. The same should apply in regard to other fuel costs if people have them. We must take that in good faith.

I do not dismiss what Senator Pauline O'Reilly said about tying our hands. I believe the Government is in a tricky situation here. There is world engagement on climate change. It is happening all over the world, which is a good thing, but the Government must try - I believe it is genuinely trying to do so - to bring forward the best ideas and plans in order that every sector is looked after.I heard Senator Pauline O'Reilly say in a previous contribution that farmers must be looked after, as custodians of the land. Every sector must be looked after, particularly vulnerable people. I accept the Opposition means well with the talk of just transition.

Another phrase constantly used here is "those of us who are passionate about climate change". It has been used dozens of times in the debates. I am passionate about climate change. Climate change is discussed every week by our Senators' group or our party. We know it has to happen. I know Senator Higgins did not mean it that way. As far as I am concerned, every person who sits in this Chamber is passionate about climate change. Senators might remember that when they are speaking. We all know what we have to do and we want to do it the right way.