Statement: Senator Bacik calls Vote on Climate Change Bill

SENATOR BACIK CALLS VOTE ON CLIMATE CHANGE BILL

Senator Ivana Bacik

Labour Party Seanad Spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Law Reform

2nd June 2010

Senator Ivana Bacik today called a vote on the Order of Business in the Seanad, seeking an urgent debate on climate change legislation.

Speaking on the Order of Business, Senator Bacik said:

“With all the other major international and national news this week, one critical event has been overlooked – the opening of UN climate change talks in Bonn to try and secure new agreement on emissions reduction targets worldwide.”

“Here in Ireland, the Government has promised to introduce climate change legislation setting binding emissions reduction targets in June. However I introduced a Bill on this issue back in October 2007. It is still awaiting further debate before the Seanad. Given that Stop Climate Chaos and Friends of the Earth are mounting a major lobby of Oireachtas members today, I think it would be appropriate to have a debate on this legislation today. We need to hear a firm commitment from the Government as to the timescale for introduction and implementation of their Bill.”

ENDS