The Green Party today welcome proposals by the Taoiseach to put in place a carbon dividend which will return carbon taxes to the people. The Taoiseach’s plan, which he outlined yesterday, comes following a proposal made by Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan in the Dáil in November.We are now seeing the emergence of cross party consensus on this issue. The Green Party support this measure as one of the fairest ways to deliver a transition to a low carbon economy.Cllr Ciarán Cuffe, Green Party spokesperson, said:“The aim of the carbon dividend, or carbon cheque, is to change behaviour. By placing carbon taxes and giving back what is taken to households it provides direct incentives for people to move to low carbon heating, better insulate their homes, use public transport and, overall, create a smaller carbon footprint.“It is heartening to see the Taoiseach support our proposal on this and we are also encouraged by other parties also embracing the idea.“While the carbon dividend is a fairer way than a simple carbon tax, we still need to make sure that every community has low carbon alternatives in heating and transport available to them.“For rural communities that are currently without alternative transport options it is vital that the government provide additional supports. They could come in the form of incentives for roof top solar energy generation.“In this move to a low carbon economy it is essential that no one is left behind.”Issued 3rd January 2019, last updated 5th February 2019