Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022
109. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way that his Department is supporting green and sustainability initiatives in the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20331/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Plan 2021 envisages the public sector leading by example the necessary climate action required in wider society to reduce Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 51 percent by 2030, and to become climate neutral no later than 2050. The Government-funded Public Sector Energy Efficiency Programme, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) supports public bodies in achieving improvements in energy efficiency. Under this programme, all public sector bodies are required to submit their annual energy consumption data to track the progress of the sector.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 now gives legal underpinning to climate action by the public sector. It requires all public bodies to perform their functions in a manner consistent with our climate ambition.
In order to achieve a 51 percent reduction in green house gases from the public sector by 2030, each public sector body will will be assigned an individual target to meet in accordance with an agreed methodology. An overall sectoral target of 51 percent will apply for schools. The SEAI and the EPA will collaborate in supporting public sector bodies in relation to targets, including publishing guidelines and establishing a new public sector monitoring and reporting system.
To support public sector bodies leading by example, a Public Sector Climate Action Mandate will apply to all bodies covered by the decarbonisation targets, except for local authorities and commercial semi-state bodies, and the school sector. I expect that the draft Mandate will come before cabinet shortly for approval.
