Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

In one way or another, the three amendments call for an explicit statement that the expert Advisory Council on Climate Change will be independent in the performance of its functions. I appreciate that there have been some concerns raised that the presence of ex officiomembers on the council would in some way render it less than independent in its advice-giving functions. I do not agree with that argument, but I respect it and will reflect on it. The presence of the ex officiomembers should not be seen as an impediment to independence, rather they will provide the council with much needed practical experience of policy implementation by organisations that already have a well established low carbon agenda. They will add to, rather than diminish, the standing of the council.

Tomorrow I hope to announce the membership of the expert advisory council to be established on an administrative basis in advance of enactment of the Bill. With this announcement, I trust that everyone will be able to see the quality of the personnel involved and that there will be little doubt about how effective the body will be in providing completely independent advice for the Government. Those on the council are of the highest calibre and I am delighted that they have agreed to be on it. I asked some of them to become involved and do not believe it would be possible to take away their rigour and analysis. I have met and spoken to the NGOs about their concerns. Given these concerns, I will give further consideration before Report Stage to including an explicit statement on independence because it is something some people desire.