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Climate Change Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020

Tuesday, 22 September 2020

Questions (76)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

76. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate Action and Communication Networks the way in which he plans to poverty proof and disability proof new climate action legislation going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25149/20]

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Written answers

The Programme for Government commits to an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030 (a 51% reduction over the decade) and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The specific purpose of the Climate Action (Amendment) Bill is to strengthen the governance structure in supporting Ireland's response to climate breakdown. The Bill, which the Government committed to introducing into the Dáil within the first 100 days of Government, will:

- Set the 2050 decarbonisation target in law.

- Provide for the adoption of five-year carbon budgets, setting maximum emissions by sector.

- Strengthen the role of the Climate Change Advisory Council, including in relation to proposing appropriate carbon budgets.

In terms of managing the transition to a carbon neutral and resilient society and economy, the Programme for Government recognises that it is vital there is adequate time and effort devoted to working with communities and sectors in designing and delivering the pathway to achieve the goal in a fair way. This will mean creating fresh opportunities for those sectors most exposed by the transition and supporting those in our community who are least equipped to make the changes.

In terms of those in poverty, all additional carbon tax revenue, estimated at €9.5 billion over the next ten years, will be hypothecated into a Climate Action Fund. This Fund will be utilised over the period to:

- Ensure that increases in the carbon tax are progressive by spending €3 billion on targeted social welfare and other initiatives to prevent fuel poverty and ensure a just transition.

- Provide €5 billion to part fund a socially progressive national retrofitting programme targeting all homes but with a particular emphasis on the Midlands region and on social and low-income tenancies.

- Allocate €1.5 billion to a REPS-2 programme to encourage and incentivise farmers to farm in a greener and more sustainable way. This funding will be additional to funding from the Common Agricultural Policy.

The Programme for Government also commits to publishing a Just Transition Plan, to frame the work of the Just Transition Commissioner, and ensuring that financing is available, including through continuing to grow the Just Transition Fund.

More generally, all Government decisions must consider fully their impact on those in poverty and with disabilities. In terms of legislating in the area of disability, policy responsibility for which rest with the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration, the Programme for Government commits to enshrining disability rights by finalising the legislation required following Ireland's recent ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.

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