The commitment contained in the Programme for a Partnership Government to establish a national dialogue on climate change builds on the Energy White Paper commitment for the establishment of a National Energy Forum which would invite a wide range of stakeholders to consider evidence-based inputs and maximise consensus on broad energy policy measures. The national dialogue will encompass the role set out for the National Energy Forum but with a wider focus to include examination of key issues that need to be addressed in our long-term transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy. Options are being assessed as to how best to optimise the processes which will underpin the functioning of the National Dialogue, including with regard to the requirements of the Aarhus convention.