Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2014
347. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the climate change Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27491/14]
View answer388. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26992/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 347 and 388 together.
I would like to see the Climate Action and Low-Carbon Development Bill published and progressed through the legislative process as quickly as possible. Both the Heads of the Bill and the National Policy Position which the legislation will underpin were finalised having regard to the substantial public consultation which my Department facilitated in 2012, and the second round of consultation facilitated by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht last year. A very broad range of issues was raised in both consultations and I am satisfied that the National Policy Position and the planned legislation reflect where the balance lies at this time in terms of the views across the spectrum of stakeholders and society generally. Both the National Policy Position and Head 4 of the General Scheme of the Bill address the fundamental objective on transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and environmentally sustainable economy in the period to 2050.
With regard to climate justice, Ireland has an excellent record of working with key partners in developing countries. We fully recognise the importance of addressing the heightened vulnerability to climate change experienced by some of the world’s poorest people. The Climate Action and Low-Carbon Development Bill is focused on Ireland’s domestic transition to low-carbon development. In tandem with our commitment to the developing world, a progressive approach to mitigation at a national level is the most effective contribution we can make to the global-scale actions necessary to combat climate change.
