Bríd Smith
Question:589. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views that climate change is the single most pressing issue for humanity, which will impact on every single aspect of our society and economy; that it is a major mis-step at this time to have effectively abolished the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in the new Administration and that, notwithstanding recent reassurances, this suggests to the public that environmental issues will be downgraded; that if he is genuine about joined-up thinking he must reorganise Departments with a view to setting up a Department of environment, climate change and natural heritage, which would have a remit to deal effectively with pressing environmental issues, such as loss of biodiversity and with water quality and supply; and if he will give a commitment that the correct urgency will be attached to the priorities of his Ministers concerned with environmental matters, and that they will not be seen as an add on or be relegated in the pursuit of corporate or business interests. [14525/16]
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