Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Amendments Nos. 7 to 10, inclusive, 18, 45 and 46 relate to the United Nations sustainable development goals, which only run up to 2030. This means that amendments would be required on a rolling basis. The principles underlying the sustainable development goals are already captured in the definitions and impact considerations. Environmental and sustainability impacts are to be considered in every aspect of the work of the agency. Maintaining this broader provision allows scope for the agency to keep aligned with emerging national and international policies and priorities. We therefore do not propose to accept these amendments.

Regarding amendment No. 8, the existing provision throughout the Bill is a positive requirement, meaning that the agency will be required to consider sustainable development and environmental impact in the undertaking of any research. The proposed amendment is a negative and would be impossible to quantify. It would require the agency to not accelerate or worsen the climate emergency but does not specify how this must be undertaken or measured. The existing provision is a stronger emphasis. It creates a template for action and puts these considerations at the heart of the assessment process. For this reason, we do not propose to accept the amendment.

Amendment No. 9 again potentially limits the longevity and future focus of the Bill. The United Nations sustainable development goals, as I said previously, only run up to 2030. This means that amendments will be required on a running basis to keep up with each new agreement. This is a rapidly evolving field. We have already seen a recognition and resolve in terms of the need for rapid climate action progress in recent years. We can anticipate that there will be further fairly rapid developments in this regard. These principles are already captured in the definitions and impact considerations. Maintaining this broader provision allows scope for the agency to keep aligned with emerging national policy and priorities with international developments, so we do not propose to accept the amendment.

Regarding amendment No. 10, the agency will only come into existence after the establishment date. The agency will have no legal existence until then, and we cannot accept liability or responsibility for wider historic events that have occurred prior to the establishment. Therefore, we do not propose to accept the amendment.

I will also say that the investments made by the agency on behalf of the Government will respond to and deliver against several important national and international strategies, including Impact 2030, which is Ireland's research and innovation strategy, the climate action plan, the national strategy on education for sustainable development, the long-term strategy on greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and the United Nations sustainable development goals. The new agency will play a critical role in driving change and finding innovative solutions to enable us to thrive within planetary boundaries and to integrate climate action and sustainability into all its functions by aligning the new agency's efforts with national and international policies. We will ensure that the new agency plays its part in contributing to the achievement of Ireland's climate targets and our transition to a sustainable future.

Responding to the climate crisis cannot be the preserve of any single entity. It demands that we all take responsibility. The new agency will proactively engage and collaborate with other funders and stakeholders to create a cohesive response to the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. By fostering partnerships and engaging with stakeholders, we can use our collective expertise to drive innovation and influence national policies that support climate action and environmental sustainability. The new agency can make a lasting difference in addressing the climate crisis through informed, evidence-based decision-making, providing top talent for industry and Government and inspiring societal change. Both agencies, but particularly SFI, have an excellent track record in this regard and this important work will continue under the new agency.