Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016
62. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach to re-orient the focus of the newly established Departments in order# to bring environmental, climate change and natural heritage functions under the remit of a single Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11717/16]
View answerI would like to reassure the Deputy that this Government is committed to protecting our environment and natural heritage. The Programme for Government identifies climate change as the global challenge of our generation which requires radical and ambitious thinking. Tackling climate change and promoting sustainability across all sectors is essential to improving and protecting our environment.
The Government’s decision to move environment related policy into a single department with responsibility for climate change and energy will strengthen our response and ensure a joined-up approach. It will give environment policy the full attention and resources of a single department.
