Minister Bruton Should Support Opposition Party’s Legislation on Climate Action.
Labour Spokesperson for Climate Action Sean Sherlock TD, has called on Minister Bruton to take greater action on Climate Change and support opposition party’s legislation already before the Dail.
Deputy Sherlock Said:
“I welcome the decision from Minister Bruton to reduce single-use plastics within government departments, however, it seems a meager response to the enormity of the challenge facing us right now.
“The Minister has repeatedly stated that he wants Ireland to lead on Climate Change, yet this government has done little to nothing since it took office to change Ireland’s reputation as a laggard when it comes to Climate Action.
“If the Minister wants to ‘set an example’ perhaps he and his government colleagues should get to the business of legislating.
“This government has turned down the opportunity to lead on the issue at the last budget when they refused to introduce a Carbon Tax.
“They have consistently ignored opposition parties attempt to progress legislation.
“Labour has introduced a Microplastics Bill, which we have been promised would instead be replaced by a government bill on the same issues – we have a draft government bill that has yet to be introduced in the Oireachtas.
“Labour and the Green Party have jointly produced the Waste Reduction Bill. Sinn Fein has produced a Microgeneration Bill and PBP has the Climate Emergency Bill.
“None of these have been expedited or adopted by the government. Fine Gael repeat promises that they will deal with the issue in the future with their own legislation, which subsequently never materialises.
“If the Minister wants to set a real example, he should stop ignoring the opposition and our legislation. He has an opportunity to garner opposition support for the enormity of the challenge ahead. I look forward to the Minister working with all parties in the Oireachtas to see real action taken on Climate Change.”