Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on environment, community & local government, Brian Stanley TD, has accused Minister Hogan of “sleepwalking Ireland over the carbon cliff”. Following questions to An Taoiseach in the Dáil, Mr Stanley said: “I have continued to raise this issue and I will continue raise this issue with the Taoiseach until we get a result. “The cabinet failed again to produce the long-awaited climate change bill. Minister Hogan has made much noise recently about his climate change bill but we still await the government’s proposals.
“I can only suspect that tackling climate change is not a priority for this government. This is despite a commitment in the Programme for Government. Over two years into this term, the government has failed to put pen to paper on this issue.
“Sinn Féin introduced the Climate Change Bill 2013 two weeks ago. This is a comprehensive bill. It contains all the essentials aspects including agreed targets, the establishment of an independent commission, carbon budgets and accountability. The bill can give certainty to investors in developing a sustainable, green economy. The current vacuum is bad for the environment and bad for our economy.
“The effects of climate change are seen globally and felt locally. To do nothing is not an option. This government continues to sleepwalk our country towards a carbon cliff. I would remind Minister Hogan that there is no environmental bailout. There is no Troika, ECB or IMF waiting to assist us.
“I would urge the government to adopt our climate change bill and save us from environmental bankruptcy.”
Source: Build.ie – Minister Accused of Sleepwalking Ireland Over the Carbon Cliff
