Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2019
153. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recurring weekly meetings attended by either him or the Secretary General of his Department in 2019 at which climate change and-or preparations within his Department to enact a climate plan has been an agenda item; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31342/19]
View answerThe Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, along with the Secretary General from his Department, have been actively engaged in the preparation and development of Ireland’s national climate action plan. They have participated in and contributed to the relevant meetings and consultations organised by the Department for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment. The Tánaiste has also participated in Cabinet discussions relevant to the approval of the national climate action plan.
In line with the January Government Decision on Single Use Plastics, prevention of waste and green public procurement directed at Departments and Agencies, my Department is taking meaningful action to reduce its carbon footprint. The Secretary General has tabled this for discussion at a number of Departmental Management Board meetings, and just this week, the Tánaiste and Secretary General joined staff from across the Department in a roundtable event to propose actions and initiatives to reduce waste and introduce more sustainable practices. Further engagement is planned in the coming months with a view to rolling out ambitious targets and actions across the Department before the end of the year.
In addition and in recognition of the increasing threat posed by climate change the Government in its new policy for international development, A Better World, places climate action as one of its four main policy priorities. The policy commits Ireland to increasing its international engagement on climate change particularly with those most affected by its impact.
