Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2023
606. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide details on his Department’s role in selecting members for the citizen engagement working group established to assist in the review of the emissions reduction target for the land use, land use change and forestry sector (LULUCF); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54677/23]
View answerA key part of the Land Use Review is consideration of how land users and other relevant stakeholders should be engaged in the on-going production of the land use knowledge base; the co-creation of a shared vision on the transition in land use; the formulation of priorities that will inform a National Land Use Strategy; and the design of evidence-based and collaborative plans and actions. At the heart of the Land Use Review will be a recognition of the very significant role of farmers and farm families.
One of the tasks of the citizen engagement working group is to communicate, inform, engage and motivate all stakeholders on the agreed national priorities that comprise a shared vision for the necessary transition in land use. Priorities include emission reductions for climate targets and also improved outcomes for biodiversity, socioeconomics for landowners and users, water and air quality.
The engagement group is in the process of being established to consider these issues. The intention is that it will be based on the National Economic and Social Council’s (NESC) Engagement Group that informed the Just Transition in Agriculture and Land Use. It will be adjusted or added to as appropriate by the Chair, following consultation and agreement with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, myself and the Minister for State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, to ensure a balanced membership across civil society, environmental groups, farmers and farming organisations, industry, Government, and academia. The group will be chaired by Rory O’Donnell, retired Director of NESC.
