Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
352. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to endorse the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action for a referendum that would acknowledge the rights of nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7699/24]
View answerThe Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss (CABL) published its’ report in April 2023. This report was referred to the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action, who held a series of engagement with stakeholders to discuss the issues raised. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action published their report on the recommendations of the CABL in December 2023, containing 86 recommendations which the Committee feel are vital to ensure that the biodiversity crisis in Ireland is addressed in a meaningful way.
The 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030 was launched in January and addresses a number of the key recommendations of both the Citizens’ Assembly and the Joint Oireachtas Committee. The Plan provides for a mechanism by which the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly will be considered by Government, including an action for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to explore the ways in which the rights of nature could be formally recognised. A report outlining a response to the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss will be laid before the Oireachtas in the coming months.
