Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
125. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the just transition plan; when he will establish a just transition commissioner as a statutory office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45099/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government included a commitment to publish a Just Transition Plan to identify and prepare for challenges that will arise in a number of sectors and regions, recognising that there will be a variety of different transitions. A number of reports and plans focused on just transition, currently under development, will address this commitment. These include the implementation plan in relation to the Midlands to address the recommendations in the first report of the Just Transition Commissioner; the 2021 Climate Action Plan; and the Territorial Just Transition Plan to underpin the EU Just Transition Fund.
The Government appointed Mr Kieran Mulvey as the Just Transition Commissioner to facilitate discussions and work with stakeholders to develop, mobilise and deliver opportunities for the Midlands for both the workers directly affected and the wider community.
The Commissioner is undertaking his work with administrative support provided by my Department. The Commissioner is also being supported in his engagements with stakeholders in the Midlands, as required, by the Secretariat to the Midlands Regional Transition Team. The existing Interdepartmental Group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, is also available to provide any assistance necessary as the Commissioner's work proceeds.
While I am currently considering the ongoing role for the Just Transition Commissioner in the context of the Programme for Government commitments as well as the implementation of the respective plans referred to above, my objective is to continue to support this work on the basis of the arrangements currently in place.
