Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 May 2016
66. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Taoiseach to consider reinstating the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and bring together all environmental functions, nature and wildlife, water protection, waste and pollution control under one Department of the Environment, Climate and Natural Heritage. [12219/16]
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.
