Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
244. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to include reference in all new statements of strategy to all sustainable development goal targets for which his Department has lead responsibility as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals National Implementation Plan 2018-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25759/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a significant and ambitious policy agenda that concerns all Government Departments.
The first National Implementation Plan (2018-2020), published in 2018, set out Ireland’s strategy to achieve the SDGs both domestically and internationally. The Goals are mainstreamed in domestic policy and the governance structure reflects a whole-of-government approach and ensures coordination and coherence, in particular where goals cover areas of shared responsibility.
19 Actions were included in the first National Implementation Plan. Action 4 of the plan set out a commitment to include reference in all new Statements of Strategy to all SDG targets for which a Department has lead responsibility.
The development of the next SDG Implementation Plan has commenced, with the intention of publication later this year. A National Progress report will be incorporated into the Plan and will assess the progress on the 19 Actions, including the commitment set out under Action 4.
I, in my capacity as Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) have responsibility for promoting the SDGs, and for overseeing their coherent implementation across Government. I also have responsibility for leading implementation of SDG 7 ‘Affordable and clean energy’, SDG 12 ‘Responsible consumption & production’, with input from the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment (DETE) and SDG 13 ‘Climate Action’.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for SDGs 3.6 and 11.2. My Department's vision for the period 2021-2023, as outlined in its Statement of Strategy, is to sustainably connect the people and places of Ireland with each other and the world. The Statement of Strategy also outlines our strategic approach to achieving this including by encouraging and supporting transport networks and services that are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable in line with UN SDGs.
A link to my Department's Statement of Strategy is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/70e6d-statement-of-strategy-2021-2023/
