Climate change: We need a popular carbon tax

Leo Varadkar is clearly anxious to avoid a repeat of the water charges debacle when it comes to tackling climate change through carbon taxes. Above all, he wants to ensure that the entire Irish political system does not have to endure such political contortions again.

It is no easy task. While the Taoiseach is enough of a realist to know he must build a broad consensus on the issue, he also recognises that time is of the essence and that we have to get serious about having an increasing levy on fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, gas and peat. The current tax on the use of fossil fuels is levied at €20 a tonne. Recent research by the Economic and Social Research Institute indicate a massive rise would be required in the next decade — to €300 a tonne — if Ireland is to meet its commitments to reducing CO2.