Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
63. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the citizens’ assembly for environmental rights will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39715/21]
View answer67. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans for a citizens’ assembly on environmental issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39829/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 67 together.
While there is currently no plan to establish a citizens' assembly specifically focusing on environmental rights, the Programme for Government recognises that tackling environmental challenges is the responsibility of everyone in society, including the State, industry, the voluntary sector, and communities of citizens across the country.
The establishment of a Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity will be progressed in accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government.
In terms of climate change which is the existential environmental challenge that we face, a public consultation in relation to the Climate Action Plan, in March 2021, clearly showed that among the 3,800 respondents 92% reported a high level of awareness of the risk posed by climate change and the need for action.
Following on from the successful piloting of the National Dialogue for Climate Action (NDCA) between 2017 to 2019, an enduring structure for a reinvigorated NDCA is close to being finalised and will deliver a systematic approach to engagement and activation on climate change across all of society in support of the national transition objectives and the Climate Action Plan.
The NDCA adopts a person centred model which has three key objectives:
- creating awareness, understanding and engagement on climate change;
- motivating and enabling climate action and improving climate literacy among communities and citizens;
- promoting self-efficacy and empowering citizens to take climate action and to inform policy responses.
The NDCA will function as the coordinating structure facilitating broad citizen and stakeholder dialogue. The NDCA will be the key mechanism through which climate actions related to public engagement, participation, community action, networking and capacity building activities are delivered, giving everyone in society the opportunity to fully engage constructively in climate action in a fair, just and equitable manner.
