Interdepartmental Working Groups

Tuesday, 13 November 2018

Questions (476)

Catherine Martin

Question:

476. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the terms of reference of the interdepartmental working group on climate action in regard to wetlands; and if he will provide the minutes of meetings of that group. [46700/18]

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Written answers

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/841 on the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land use, land use change and forestry in the 2030 climate and energy framework (the LULUCF Regulation), mandatory accounting of managed wetlands in the national greenhouse gas emissions inventories of EU Member States is to commence from 2026. It is, therefore, important that robust systems, including assurance on the availability of accurate information on wetlands in Ireland, are in place well in advance of that date.

In light of this requirement, the National Mitigation Plan, published in July 2017, included an action for a cross-Departmental working group, chaired by my Department, to undertake further analysis of the necessary technical steps to prepare for the requirements of the LULUCF Regulation as well as considering any policy implications arising. The working group has met twice to date and also comprises officials from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

The minutes of the working group are not published by my Department. The Deputy may request these records under the Freedom of Information Acts.