The topic of climate change, often touted as the narrative of our era in news reels, seldom takes the centre stage. This mirrors our polls that show climate interest resides in the modest range for the voters. Nonetheless, today’s top news, as reported by Kevin O’Sullivan, highlights Ireland’s failure to reach its legally enforced goal of a 51 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, with an expected achievement of only 29 per cent.
Kevin’s report exposes a consistent pattern of unmet targets in a time where we need substantial emission reductions. This occurrence heaves added strain onto the political system to strike harsher emission cuts, while retaining voter support and internal government agreement. The area of Environmental and climate concerns has persistently been a source of division within the Coalition throughout its existence. Although it makes periodic appearances, it has never posed an actual threat to the broader government stability. It is improbable at this point that, given the Coalition has likely made its tough climate decisions, it will prompt a significant divide.
However, the consequences of our present period’s failures mean that stricter rules must be enforced for the second carbon budget period (2026-2030), which coincides with the term of the following government. The surpluses of emissions from our present period will be carried over indicating the State might need to cut back on areas like industry or agriculture, as suggested by Kevin.
In the upcoming election, the Green Party will aim to put these climate-centred issues at the forefront. Jennifer Bray and Kevin’s headline piece disclose that today, Eamon Ryan will present the Cabinet with a bleak summary of the rapidly deteriorating climate condition, urging the Government to expedite all existing climate strategies and policies. This is easier on paper than in execution.
As the election loom, the climate may not be the mainstream issue- but it most definitely isn’t going to recede into the background. Climate politics, with all the inherent disputes and challenges, is here to stay.
Amid escalating tensions in the aftermath of the brutal bombardment of displaced people in Rafah, EU foreign ministers are engaged in discussions surrounding potential sanctions. Meanwhile, Ireland, Norway, and Spain have formally acknowledged the State of Palestine, a move that was first publicized last week. The Palestinian flag will be hoisted outside Leinster House, while the Dáil will entertain discourse on statehood matters.
Guy Hedgecoe is closely observing developments regarding potential Israeli retaliations against Dublin, Madrid, and Oslo. In parallel, Conor Lally has been tracking an uptick in legal proceedings against individuals making their entry into the nation without the necessary identification. Cormac McQuinn is scrutinizing local electoral pledges while Fintan O’Toole reasserts his viewpoint from last week’s column, suggesting Ireland’s top export is self-satisfaction.
South Co Dublin finds Sarah Burns knocking on doors. In the meantime, the Budget 2025 continues its slow and steady approach, with politicians entangled in the tightening web of promises and priorities, seen clearly at yesterday’s National Economic Dialogue.
Beginning at 9.30am, the political agenda includes a Cabinet gathering in Government Buildings. Jennifer Bray and Arthur Beasley share insightful details about the topics Ministers plan to discuss, which include bringing in a law against requesting ‘go away’ money for not protesting against real estate projects and devising ‘personal progression’ frameworks for individuals who are unemployed.
The day progresses with committee actions commencing from 11am. The education committee aims to facilitate a discussion on climate action and sustainable development tailored for secondary and tertiary educational institutions.
In the afternoon, a rendezvous between the environment committee and Eamon Ryan is scheduled to discuss the National Energy and Climate Plan. Concurrently, Jim O’Callaghan will be addressing the justice committee with regard to his Firearms and Offensive Weapons Bill, which intends to elevate the maximum penal measure for illegal knife possession. This item is something the government has chosen to progress with following O’Callaghan’s initiation of the bill in 2021.
The day’s events kick-off at 1pm in the Seanad beginning with commencement issues, followed by discussions on the Employment Permits Bill and the legislation on pension auto-enrolment that will be further deliberated in the upper house in the afternoon.
From 2 pm, the Dáil will commence with Leaders’ Questions, followed by discussions on Ireland formalising its recognition of Palestine. Sinn Féin plans to present a motion concerning the restoration and upkeep of council residences just before 7 pm. Later in the evening, Norma Foley will field verbal parliamentary queries, prior to the discussion of topical matters slightly before 10.30 pm. You’ll find the complete agenda for the Dáil here.
Looking at the activities of the ministers, Patrick O’Donovan will initiates a new segment at the Sligo campus of Atlantic Technological University, then moves on to inaugurate new temporary student lodging at Ballinode Community College.
Peter Burke and Heather Humphreys are scheduled to introduce an employment and youth interaction directive in Dublin at noon. As it’s Tuesday, anticipate the regular line-up of plinth announcements from the opposition throughout the morning.