Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 July 2012
492 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the overview analysis of the responses to the public consultation on climate change policy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35239/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe consultation attracted a very strong response, within excess of 600 submissions received. My Department is at an advanced stage in working through these submissions and the overview will be made available online as soon as possible.
493 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date in the fourth quarter of 2012 on which he will issue heads of a proposed climate Bill for consideration by the Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht; if he expects any delay beyond the end of 2012 in respect of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35241/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra498 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the heads of the climate change Bill will be published in 2012 as outlined in the roadmap; if he expects the drafted legislation to then be published in early 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35291/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 493 and 498 together.
While I have not fixed a date at this stage, I do not envisage any delay in meeting the commitment to issue heads of a Climate Bill by the end of 2012.
I foresee a central role for the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht in the policy development process, most importantly on the critical issue of coming to a clear national understanding of how to meet our binding EU and wider international mitigation commitments, as well as pursuing national objectives in a low-carbon global economy. In the Programme for the development of national climate policy and legislation, I have allowed time in the first half of 2013 for the Joint Committee to complete and submit a report on national policy development and appropriate legislation, following consultation with stakeholders. I hope to receive the report by the end June 2013 and will consider it carefully before deciding on the final approach to legislation.
