Fine Gael Longford/Westmeath General Election candidate, Nicky McFadden, has said the Climate Change Bill must go back to the drawing board because, in its current form, the Bill will have a damaging and detrimental effect on Ireland’s economic capacity to grow in the future.
“Teagasc, with its independent and objective analysis, made a presentation to the Climate Change Committee this week, outlining its research which provides a stark warning that if unrealistic targets are set for the agri-sector then the national herd will be seriously diminished. Until a full and thorough opportunity for all stakeholders, including the main farming and business interests, can engage with department officials regarding the contents and consequences of the Bill, it is my, and Fine Gael’s, firm belief that this Bill must be deferred and sent back to the drawing board.
“The IFA also made a comprehensive presentation, re-emphasising my strong concern that if the Bill is enacted, it will have far-reaching and negative consequences for the agriculture sector and the potential for growth contained in the Government’s ‘Harvest 2020’ plan. At the very least, a detailed economic impact assessment should be carried out on how this Bill will affect the Government’s own Harvest 2020 Plan which maps out a strategic growth plan for the Irish agricultural sector. We must have agreed strategies and plans to achieve realistic targets before we introduce legislation that will tie one hand behind Ireland’s back in terms of economic growth potential.
“During debates in the Seanad this week on the legislation, I outlined my own strong concerns that in recessionary times we cannot afford to hinder the potential for economic growth in vital areas such as agriculture and the business sector.
“It is essential that this Bill is shredded and started again from scratch and that the Joint Oireachtas Committee is used as the appropriate vehicle for its reconstruction and for driving policy formation in this area. If Ireland is to be allowed to develop to its full future potential, an achievable and realistic strategic plan is needed that has all-Party support and buy-in from all relevant stakeholders.”
