Leo Varadkar does not speak for Fine Gael.

Sentiment score: -0.15

I thank Deputies from across the House for their contributions to this debate. Obviously, as we have heard, the strength of feeling on this issue is evident. Having sat through this debate, a range of views have been expressed. The Government welcomes the engagement. There are serious issues that require serious and sustained action. It is important to address some of the points raised during the debate. First, I will speak to the contribution we had on bees. As Deputy Heneghan will know, I am the Minister of State in the Department of justice, and we in the Department of justice are beekeepers as well. We have our own bees on the roof of the Department, which contributes to the excellent work the Deputy does with his beekeeping. Our honey is very badly called - excuse the pun - “Just Honey”. There you go. There have been claims that Ireland is not making progress on climate action but the facts demonstrate otherwise. The Environmental Protection Agency’s most recent reporting confirms overall greenhouse gas, GHG, emission reductions for a third consecutive year. Furthermore, Ireland now has the lowest level of GHG emissions in 35 years. That progress has been achieved while the population, housing stock and economy continue to grow. It has been suggested that the Government is failing to protect vulnerable households from recent fuel price pressure. Again, that is not correct. We have introduced one of the most comprehensive responses in the European Union, including the recent €505 million package of practical measures. This included further reductions in excise on petrol, diesel and marked gas oil, along with the deferral of the planned carbon tax increase. This is in addition to the previously allocated €250 million in targeted supports to assist those experiencing immediate financial pressure. It is important to note that budget 2026 also provided a record €640 million for home energy upgrades, including €340 million for the warmer home scheme which provides fully funded upgrades for households experiencing energy poverty. Additional supports also remain available through the fuel allowance and additional needs payments. We are also undergoing a renewable-led transformation on our energy system. Renewable electricity generation has increased five-fold since 2005. Ireland has now reached approximately 8 GW of renewable generation capacity while wind energy supplied a record 50% of the State’s electricity in February 2026. The Government is prioritising offshore wind, with five phase 1 projects progressing through the planning system alongside an unprecedented €18.9 billion investment into the electricity grid. Significant progress is also being made on biodiversity. The fourth national biodiversity action plan is now in place on a statutory footing and promotes a whole-of-government approach. The €25 million Marine Protected Areas LIFE Ireland project supports the delivery of marine protected areas through public participation and codesign. There have been claims that funding for farmers to implement the national biodiversity action plan is inadequate. In reality, farmers are supported by a multilayered funding system, including the €1.5 billion ACRES. In respect of data centres, the Government’s position has been clear. We will focus on sustainable development of strategically significant energy-intensive industries, including data centres, through the Large Energy-User Action Plan published only this year and in alignment with Ireland’s broader Government objectives. We will continue to focus our efforts on supports for families and businesses in need through our national energy affordability task force. The Government fully agrees with the need for climate ambition, biodiversity restoration and support for households. Where we disagree is with a motion that restates commitments already contained in law and that does not reflect the established statutory and parliamentary processes or acknowledge the substantial work already under way across government. The legally binding target of a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030 is already provided for in law under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act. In respect of the removal of certain provisions in the proposed legislation, it is a matter for the Oireachtas through the established legislative process to scrutinise proposed legislation as it progresses through the various Stages. The Government’s countermotion more accurately reflects the reality of the position. It affirms our climate ambition across all sectors, recognises the need to protect households and businesses from energy pressures, notes the progress already being delivered and supports a practical, balanced and deliverable pathway forward. This Government is taking decisive action to reduce emissions, expand renewable energy, protect nature and support households through the transition. We have the plans with the legislative frameworks and the investment in place to continue that progress. I conclude by thanking the Deputies across the House for their contributions today. However, as indicated by my colleague, I do not accept the motion before the House and I present the Government’s countermotion in its place.

Sentiment score: 0.23