Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action to resume examination of recommendations of Report of Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss

The meeting at 11am in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House will discuss the recommendations contained in the Citizens' Assembly report relating to funding and economics of nature restoration and will be split into two sessions.

• 11am-12.30pm – Professor Martha O'Hagan Luff and Dr Emer Ní Dhuill from Trinity College Dublin; and Dr Tadgh O'Mahony and from Dublin City University.
• 12.30pm-2pm – Officials from the Department of Finance.

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Brian Leddin said: “The Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss agreed that additional funding for nature restoration is essential, and without additional funding and resourcing it will not be possible to curb the crisis of biodiversity loss in Ireland. When polled, three out of four members of the Assembly said they were prepared to support and pay higher taxes, in order to make a reality increased funding and financing for nature restoration. 

“The reality is at the moment in Ireland protecting nature and preventing further biodiversity loss, simply doesn’t pay. There is a real win-win opportunity here for nature and for rural communities and farmers if we can direct funding and financing towards those who provide us with clean water, clean air, healthy soils and space for biodiversity to thrive. 

“The Committee looks forward to discussing with our stakeholders the potential opportunities in the regenerative economy, green technology and biodiversity action and for providing sustainable finance to implement the measures needed.”

The Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.