Departmental Legal Cases

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021

Wednesday, 27 January 2021

Questions (67)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

67. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to support or contest the legal proceedings brought by six Portuguese young persons against Ireland and 32 other countries in the European Court of Human Rights (details supplied) alleging that insufficient climate action breaches their human rights; the timeline for the Government's reply to those proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4306/21]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Government has been formally notified by the European Court of Human Rights that Ireland is a party to the legal proceedings referred to. My Department is currently engaging with the Office of the Attorney General in relation to these proceedings, and the Department of Foreign Affairs is acting as agent for the Government in this regard. The Government will consider the issues raised in the proceedings, which are complex, and will provide its observations in accordance with the timeframe to be determined by the Court, for which formal confirmation is awaited.

Question No. 68 answered with Question No. 43.

Question No. 69 answered with Question No. 60.