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Climate Change Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022

Tuesday, 26 July 2022

Questions (159)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

159. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is giving consideration to the immediate establishment of a National Just Transition Commission, based on social dialogue, as called for by Just Transition Alliance, an innovative campaign network comprised of trade unions, environmental and civil society groups; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41703/22]

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Written answers

The Government has adopted, through the Climate Action Plan 2021 (CAP21), a framework for a just transition, comprising four principles:

1. An integrated, structured, and evidence-based approach to identify and plan our response to just climate transition requirements.

2. People are equipped with the right skills to be able to participate in and benefit from the future net zero economy.

3. The costs are shared so that the impact is equitable and existing inequalities are not exacerbated.

4. Social dialogue to ensure impacted citizens and communities are empowered and are core to the transition process.

As set out in CAP 2021, this framework should be considered by all relevant Ministers in the process of climate action policy formulation and implementation, ensuring that response measures support all aspects of achieving a just transition. This includes creating sustainable employment opportunities, providing reskilling and retraining opportunities, and providing appropriate supports for those most vulnerable as part of Ireland’s transition to a climate neutral economy.

The Government has also committed, in CAP 2021, to establishing a statutory Just Transition Commission. CAP 2021 sets out that the purpose of the Commission will be to provide strategic advice to Government, integrating its role with existing governance and engagement structures, on how Government policy can further a just transition. I am currently progressing the development of proposals on the mandate of the Commission, including engagement with relevant stakeholders such as the Just Transition Alliance, which will also inform the appropriate legislative approach to the Commission.

In light of the role that he has performed as Just Transition Commissioner in the Midlands Region since 2019, I have also asked Kieran Mulvey to continue to act in an advisory role, providing support to me on the development of proposals for the statutory Commission.

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