Taoiseach dismisses need for Irish families to give up…

Taoiseach dismisses need for Irish families to give up second car to meet emissions targets

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has dismissed the idea that people would have to give up their second car to hit climate change goals if higher emissions targets for agriculture are not met.

It comes after Deputy Government Whip and Fine Gael TD Brendan Griffin suggested that SUVs should be banned in Green Party leader Eamon Ryan’s constituency.

Climate Minister, Mr Ryan has said he would be seeking a 30% reduction in carbon across agriculture.

But Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue as well Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael backbenchers, are in favour of a reduction which is closer to the lower limit of 22%.

Talks are to continue this week in a bid to reach an agreement.

When asked if people would have to give up their second car if agriculture climate targets are not cut by 30%, Mr Martin said: “I don't know who came up with that.

“It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me in terms of how one would even go about doing that.

“People have their personal freedoms and so on, but obviously, I think people collectively and individually have to make choices into the future.

"Each sector will have to come up with its ceilings and agreed figures, it will be very challenging, you know, agriculture, transport, enterprise, all key sectors here. And it's not a question of something like a second car."

On reducing carbon emissions, the Taoiseach said, “farmers are up for this.”

He said: “I mean, the farmers are quite progressive in Ireland in respect of change, and they understand climate change as well. They can see we can all see it.

“And, you know, we've already set the range between 22% and 30%. That in itself is challenging. And so then the negotiations or discussions are down to the precise figure between 22% and 30%.

“And everybody in the world has to really do something for our children and our children's children, that they have a planet they can live on, but some quality of life.

“And I think there are real concerns now in terms of the acceleration of climate change, that the consequences are becoming more immediate in terms of manifestation, and potentially more severe.”

The Fianna Fáil leader said “we've got to balance the food security issue with the climate issue.”

He added: “We can see how food can run sharp very quickly through wars or various viruses or whatever interruption in the food production cycle can happen.