Mattie McGrath Criticises Climate 'Indoctrination' and Big Business
Mattie McGrath spoke about climate change policy, energy companies and carbon taxation, arguing the climate narrative has been overhyped and urging action against the power of big business. He said he would probably support the motion on public ownership and regulation because governments have failed to hold energy firms to account.
Motion and support
McGrath thanked those who brought the motion to debate and said he believes it merits consideration. He described himself as never in favour of privatisation and signalled likely support for measures to tackle the grip of large energy companies.
Climate narrative and personal memories
He criticised what he called an indoctrination on climate change, saying young people are being taught a singular view in schools. He recalled severe frosts and heavy winters from past decades to argue that climate variation has long occurred in communities.
Critique of big business and regulators
McGrath accused large firms of plundering public finances and said there is a lack of effective regulation despite numerous regulators. He warned that stockpiles like a 90-day supply are insufficient in a crisis and argued Ireland has put "all the eggs in one basket" with no clear contingency plans.
Carbon tax and household impact
He condemned the timing and impact of carbon taxation, arguing it has imposed costs on ordinary people and was introduced at the wrong moment. He accused some in the chamber of supporting successive increases in carbon tax that have harmed households.
Household supports and debate conduct
McGrath highlighted delays for SEI grants and described people unable to heat their homes while big companies prosper. He also complained about being shouted down in debate, defended his electoral mandate and stressed the need for open discussion on these issues.
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I want to comment on the Solidarity with the PDP for putting down this motion for debate, and indeed People Before Profit, I do say we should consider this motion. As a president who was never in favour of privatisation, I think that we must consider it here, because of the ineptitude of several governments. First of all, I wish Minister Ryan and Minister Smith and yourself a happy, holy and peaceful Christmas, and I say it here in good faith, but nothing personal, but we have followed a dream, we are following climate change. It has become like an indoctrination now with young people in the schools upwards. There is slight climate change, certainly, but I can remember 50 years ago, we talked about the Frost now, going out with a sledge to break the ice and ponds to feed our cattle in Dipperdorne, Minister Ryan, and you know, your ancestors came from Dipperary, and there was savage, severe Frost. So all this has been hyped up in the media and everywhere else, and you are kind of a pariah if you have a different opinion. But getting back to where the motion says, I think we must, because we have failed to deal with energy companies, like we have failed to deal with all big businesses in this country. They have literally, I hate using the word, I won't use it, because it's Christmas season, plundered our finances, plundered through business and through sweet deeds with government, and got away with black, blue and yellow murder. Simple as that. And there is absolutely no regulation. We have regulators galore. And I see the lovely one here, Nora. Well, God, Nora, I'd love to walk down the Boreen with Nora, but my God, Nora is used to be fruitless and fruitless. We have 90 days supplies. Wonderful. They want to clap in the back. 90 days. What good is 90 days, especially in a war situation? We have all the eggs in one basket. I won't say a day. It starts with an A, but if the bottom falls out of that basket, we have nothing. And there's no plans. And, of course, all the people here that want this today, many people, voted for carbon tax. If there was ever a wrong time for carbon tax, this was the wrong time. In the middle of the... All right, because you'd like to blame it on the war, which it is. Sorry? We didn't want carbon tax. Of course you did. You wanted more carbon tax. More and more. More and more. We're in favour of carbon tax. Go back on the record. Go back on the record. Of course they did. More and more and more carbon tax. And perish to people. So they're confused now. Their memories now is... Lots of memory as well. But can I just say that... Can I just... Do I have the chair? And can I just say... They want more taxes on everything. They want a zero COVID. They want zero everything. And a freebie for everybody. That's not possible in this country. And then... And then they want to shut down debate. Another issue that doesn't suit them in here. Like what happened yesterday when I was speaking. Shouting down, calling to disgrace. Same as today. I'm elected by the people of Tipperary for the time being. And I... And I... I can laugh if you like. And you're elected for the people of Dublin. And more and more power to the people. That's... That's democracy. That's what it's called. So can I just say that... We have to get real here. I'm not saying... And I probably will support the motion. Because we have to tackle... What's going on with big business. And the grips that they have. And the conglomerate in the oil business. And poor people looking for SEI grants, Minister. Wait in two and a half years. And they don't have the money to meet it. And they're frozen in their houses. I mean, this is not... It's not trying to up thinking. It's not... It's a lovely pipe dream. And COP27, I won't even go there. You know for you winter. I'm not going there. But I mean... I wasn't going to go there any. I mean, literally. It's just a fascicle. And that's what's going on. And to tell you, we had harder frost and harder winters when I was at Boca Logue. And that's not today or yesterday. But we had them. So COP27, I won't get climate change. And it's frightening to be. You know what I heard of the people. And dealing with people honestly and openly. Yes, there might be some slight changes. But nothing like we said. We had had winters as we said before. 47, 63, 30 feet of snow in my area. It's out in the Naira Valley. My neighbour in the parish. And we talk about climate change today. It's the narrative of the narrative you want to push and push at the head of the people. Thank you, Deputy Mayor.
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