Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
102. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress on the Just Transition (Worker and Community Environmental Rights) Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14438/24]
View answerThe Government is committed to a just transition in order to ensure that nobody is left behind as Ireland transitions to a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050 in line with the National Climate Objective.
The Just Transition (Worker and Community Environmental Rights) Bill 2021 is a Private Members Bill, currently before Dáil Éireann, that provides for the establishment of a National Just Transition Commission to bring together workers, communities, employers and government in social dialogue to drive the plans, polices and investments needed for a fair transformation to a low carbon economy.
In line with the Programme for Government and as set out in the Government's Climate Action Plan, I am progressing the establishment of a Just Transition Commission with a mandate to provide advice to the Government on how to ensure a just transition.
In September 2023, I convened a Just Transition Taskforce to make recommendations to me on the establishment of a Just Transition Commission. The taskforce was comprised of representatives of the key social dialogue pillars (employers, trade unions, farming groups, social NGOs, and environmental NGOs), as well as the National Economic and Social Council and relevant Government Departments. The terms of reference and minutes of previous taskforce meetings are available on my Department's website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/e3666-just-transition-taskforce/ .
I asked the taskforce to report to me in the first quarter of this year on its recommendations regarding the establishment of a Just Transition Commission. The taskforce has now concluded its work and I have received its final report. It is my intention to move quickly to have the taskforce's report and recommendations considered by Government with a view to establishing a Just Transition Commission at an early opportunity.
