Outrage as minister confirms no Climate Change Bill in 2012

Outrage as minister confirms no Climate Change Bill in 2012

Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment, Community and Local Government Brian Stanley TD has expressed outrage at Minister for Environment's confirmation that he will not be introducing any Climate Change Bill in 2012.

Speaking after a meeting of the Dáil's Environment Committee today Deputy Stanley said:
"Addressing the committee today the minister confirmed our worst fears. He only intends to have the heads of a climate change bill at the end of 2012 at the very earliest. This is unacceptable. Minister Hogan gave us honeyed words about a road map and a consultation process that has yet to even commence. If his performance so far is anything to go by his road map will be littered with u-turns and cul de sacs."

"We need certainty on this issue. What the Minister is giving us is paralysis by analysis. His trip to Durban was a waste of tax payers' money. It was not worth the carbon emissions that brought him there and back. He clearly learnt nothing about the urgency for action on climate change. Climate change is a major economic and environmental threat and this government's approach is sure to compound that threat.

"I intend to make Climate Change a political priority in 2012. The government will not be let off the hook easily. Sinn Féin will work with environmental groups to bring pressure to bear on Minister Hogan until he gives a cast iron guarantee that he will introduce a Climate Change Bill in early 2012."

ENDS