The Government has adopted, through the Climate Action Plan 2021 (CAP 2021), 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, all relevant Ministers should consider this framework in the process of climate action policy formulation and implementation, so that policies are informed by the need to ensure 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, through CAP 2021, to establishing a statutory Just Transition Commission, with the general scheme of legislation to establish the Commission to be agreed by the end of this year. 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 continuing to progress the development of proposals in relation to the establishment of the Commission, with a view to the timelines set out in CAP 2021. This work has included engagement with relevant stakeholders to inform my approach to the mandate of the Commission, including through the National Climate Stakeholder Forum, the most recent meeting of which took place on 27 July last.
