Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021
157. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide details of the penalties provided for in the Climate Act 2021 for failing to meet targets including sectoral emissions ceilings and carbon budgets, 2030 interim targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55921/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts 2015 to 2021 (the Acts) commit Ireland to a legally binding target of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by no later than 2050, and to reducing GHG emissions by 51% by 2030, compared to 2018 levels.
The Acts establish a legally binding framework with clear targets and commitments set in law, and ensure the necessary structures and processes, including carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings, are embedded on a statutory basis to underpin the achievement of our climate ambition in the near and long-term. Putting these requirements in legislation places a clear obligation on this and future governments for sustained climate action. Monitoring of compliance with national and sectoral progress towards each carbon budget and sectoral emissions ceiling will be informed by the Environmental Protection Agency’s annual GHG inventory and projection reports, as well as the Climate Change Advisory Council’s (CCAC) annual review report. In light of the CCAC’s annual review report, published by the 30 October each year, relevant Ministers will be required to give account to an Oireachtas Committee on performance, both in implementing Climate Action Plan actions and in adhering to their sector’s emissions ceilings under the carbon budget. Where Ministers are not in compliance with the targets, they will need to outline what corrective measures are envisaged. Ministers will have to attend the Committee and respond to any recommendations made by the Committee within three months. This ‘comply or explain’ approach will ensure greater scrutiny and accountability is provided. The annual revision to the Climate Action Plan acts as a further review mechanism and opportunity to re-adjust or refocus actions to ensure targets are achieved. Reporting and publication of progress under the Climate Action Plan will continue to be carried out by the Department of the Taoiseach. Should Ireland face any compliance costs for failing to meet EU climate targets, these costs will be borne by the sector(s) responsible for this shortfall. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is developing a methodology on the approach to be taken on this.
