The Irish fishing industry has changed for the worst – changed in its impact on fisherfolk and their communities, on the fish stocks and on the bio-diversity of our planet. But the giant agri-business and global food corporations have benefitted hugely, making €Billions. I spoke, with a heavy heart, on this in the Dáil yesterday.
Bríd outlines how poor is our progress in reducing emissions and achieving targets. She also rails against carbon tax and outlines alternatives to them.
To listen to the way the levy on petrol and diesel is presented sounds like a good idea. Except when you look at it, its actually about getting more money out of people who have little alternative but to use their (old) car, and does nothing to tackle the fossil fuel industry, nor does it do anything positive for the planet. Ditto with proposed use of ‘biogas’. Looks like a good idea – but actually, could accelerate rather than retard, global warming. This Climate Fund issue is seriously concerning
She outlines the situation regarding Covid clusters in the meat plants, the effects of continuing current policies on land use and cattle numbers on Climate and the potential for ‘green’ policies in the context of a Green/FF/FG coalition. Minister Creed responds, sort of.
In the Dail environment committee, we had an opportunity to question government and Coillte officials on policies relating to forestry. Each member has 10 mins in which to put questons and receive answers
Bríd Smith TD calling on the minister to ban the importation of fracked US gas through the proposed Shannon and Cork LNG terminals
On the Climate Action Committee, Just Transition for Bord na Mona workers was discussed by unions representing the workers and company and government representatives. This is the exchange between Brid and Patricia King of the ICTU