Bríd Smith
Question:122. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will amend the climate action Bill to include sanctions or consequences for missing five-year climate targets. [35108/20]
View answerTuesday, 10 November 2020
Questions (122)
Written answers
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill will significantly strengthen the overarching climate governance framework, enact a 2050 target into law, and embed a process of carbon budgeting. The plans and strategies established on a statutory footing under the Bill will ensure meaningful policy is put in place and carbon budget ceilings are not breached. Putting these requirements in legislation places a clear obligation on this and future governments for sustained climate action. The Bill also provides for a significantly strengthened accountability and oversight role by the Oireachtas. Each year, relevant Ministers will be required to give account annually to an Oireachtas Committee on their performance in adhering to their sector’s emission budget. Where Ministers are not in compliance with the targets, they will need to outline what consequential measures are envisaged, and respond to any recommendations made by the Committee within three months. This ‘comply or explain’ approach will ensure greater oversight is provided.
The annual revision to the Climate Action Plan acts as a further review mechanism and opportunity to re-adjust or refocus actions, if required, to ensure targets are achieved.
The existing governance mechanisms established on an administrative basis by the 2019 Climate Action Plan will also continue, with the Department of the Taoiseach and the Climate Action Delivery Board overseeing implementation of actions under the Climate Action Plan and publishing quarterly progress reports.
Through this significantly enhanced reporting, Ireland will remain on course to achieve our climate objectives.
The Bill is currently undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny in the Oireachtas and I welcome the active engagement of Committee Members and witnesses in this process.