Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2010
53 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the national strategy for adaptation to climate change will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2453/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn foot of a commitment contained in the National Climate Change Strategy, my Department is currently in the process of developing a national climate change adaptation framework. This work will run in parallel with the development of a Climate Change Bill which will enshrine in legislation policies and principles in relation to climate change, and will include specific provisions on climate change adaptation.
The planned adaptation framework and proposed legislation will provide a basis for integrating adaptation considerations into decision-making at both national and local level. I propose to introduce statutory requirements for public bodies to assess the risks arising from current and predicted impacts of climate change and to develop appropriate responses to these risks.
I intend publishing the adaptation framework in the first half of this year.
