Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2023
83. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeline for the establishment of the Just Transition Commission, as committed to in the Climate Action Plan 2023 Annex of Actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41744/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to a just transition in order to ensure that nobody is left behind as we work to transition to a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050. Climate Action Plan 2023 sets out a just transition framework to guide the Government’s approach to implementing climate action policies. The framework consists of four principles:
• An integrated, structured, and evidence-based approach to identify and plan our response to just transition requirements.
• People are equipped with the right skills to be able to participate in and benefit from the future net zero economy.
• The costs are shared so that the impact is equitable and existing inequalities are not exacerbated.
• Social dialogue to ensure impacted citizens and communities are empowered and are core to the transition process.
Through Climate Action Plan 2023, the Government has committed to establishing both a Just Transition Taskforce and Commission
I have now taken steps to establish the Taskforce and its first meeting took place on Wednesday, 27 September.
The Taskforce will be chaired by Kieran Mulvey and its membership comprises representatives of the five key social dialogue pillars (employers, trades unions, farming groups, social NGOs, and environmental NGOs), as well as representation from the National Economic and Social Council and from my own Department.
In order to build consensus among the different social dialogue pillars, I have asked the new Taskforce to consider and develop detailed recommendations on the proposed work and structure of the Just Transition Commission, having regard to the key principles for the mandate of the Commission as set out in CAP 23. I have asked the Taskforce to report to me in early 2024, following which I will bring forward proposals to Government in relation to the establishment of a Commission on an enduring basis.
